Rajasthan IAS officer under scanner for alleged favouritism and property acquisitions
Jaipur, October 30: A detailed investigation will be conducted against Rajasthan cadre IAS officer Shikhar Agarwal for allegedly abusing his position to provide undue benefits to the private company Goyal Fashions Private Limited and purchasing properties in his own and family’s names.
The Rajasthan government has granted prior approval for investigation and inquiry under Section 17-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director General Govind Gupta stated that the preliminary investigation was registered after examining a newspaper report published on October 27, a factual report received from the Industries Department, and information obtained from confidential sources. Prima facie, several serious facts have emerged.
According to the preliminary investigation, Shikhar Agarwal allegedly misused his position and influence while holding various important positions, including District Collector Udaipur, Chairman of the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, and Additional Chief Secretary Industries.
It is alleged that he, in collusion with the directors of Goyal Fashions Private Limited, benefited the company by obtaining exemptions from resort construction requirements, approvals without verification of necessary certificates, and a special concessional financial package.
The investigation revealed the purchase of 10 villas each in the name of Agarwal and his wife at the Ananta Resort in Bujhra, Udaipur. Each villa is estimated to be worth approximately ₹15 lakh. At the Ananta Resort in Ajabgarh, Alwar district, eight villas were purchased in the name of Agarwal and his wife, four in the name of his two sons, and four in the name of his parents-in-law. These villas are estimated to be worth ₹15 to ₹16.50 lakh each. According to the ACB, the properties were allegedly purchased at prices significantly below market value.
An important finding revealed during the investigation was that the Finance Department issued a special concessional financial package to Goyal Fashions Private Limited on March 27, 2026. On the same day, information emerged that Shikhar Agarwal had registered 20 villas.
The ACB suspects that the private company was unfairly benefited and the state government suffered financial losses. Furthermore, the possibility of Agarwal and his family members acquiring assets beyond their alleged income will also be investigated.
A detailed investigation will now be conducted into the role of Shikhar Agarwal, the directors of Goyal Fashions Private Limited, and other related individuals in this case.
