40 Luxury Villas, Rs 6.16 Crore Investment, Rs 1.80 Crore Annual Rent: IAS-IPS Couple Under Rajasthan ACB Scanner

News india 40 Luxury Villas, Rs 6.16 Crore Investment, Rs 1.80 Crore Annual Rent: IAS-IPS Couple Under Rajasthan ACB Scanner

Last Updated:November 01, 2026, 04:55 IST

Senior IAS officer Shikhar Agrawal and his wife, senior IPS officer Prashakha Mathur, have been placed under Awaiting Posting Orders (APO) by the state government

Senior IAS officer Shikhar Agrawal and his wife, senior IPS officer Prashakha Mathur, are facing a corruption investigation following allegations surrounding the purchase and leaseback of 40 luxury villas and cottages across two high-end resorts in Rajasthan. The state government has granted formal approval to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to conduct a detailed inquiry into potential administrative favours granted to the resort operating firm.

Both high-profile officers have been placed under Awaiting Posting Orders (APO) by the state government as the investigation unfolds.

Multi-Crore Property Portfolio Purchased and Leased Back

The controversy centres on transactions spanning two and a half years, where the bureaucrat family allegedly acquired 20 cottages in Bujhda, Udaipur, and 20 villas in Ajabgarh, Alwar. Purchased for a combined reported value of Rs 6.16 crore, the properties were bought directly from Goyal Fashions Private Limited, the entity operating the resorts.

Immediately after the purchases, the entire collection of properties was leased back to the same seller. The agreements guaranteed an annual rental yield of Rs 1.80 crore—comprising Rs 80 lakh from the Udaipur cottages and Rs 1 crore from the Alwar villas.

Misuse of Position and Concessional Packages Under Scrutiny

The Anti-Corruption Bureau is examining whether Agrawal, during his tenures in key state departments including the Industries Department and Pollution Control Board, extended official favours to the private company. Investigators are probing allegations of relaxed construction approvals, expedited clearances, and concessional investment packages issued to the firm.

Primary findings by the agency suggest several villas may have been registered at prices significantly below prevailing market rates. Financial records indicate that a special government concession package was granted to the resort firm on the exact day several villa sale deeds were finalised.

Discrepancies in Mandatory Property Disclosures

The investigation also highlights potential gaps in annual property disclosures required under civil service regulations. While the 40 properties were registered in the names of the couple, their two adult sons, and Mathur’s parents, recent annual property returns filed by the officers did not reflect the full scope of these acquisitions.

The detailed investigation, sanctioned under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, will evaluate potential money laundering angles, conflict of interest, and assets disproportionate to known sources of income.

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Pathikrit Sen Gupta

Pathikrit Sen Gupta is a Senior Associate Editor with News18.com and likes to cut a long story short. He writes sporadically on Politics, Sports, Global Affairs, Space, Entertainment, And Food. He tra...Read More

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