Rajasthan ACB Raids Engineer’s Properties, Uncovers ₹11.5 Crore Worth of Disproportionate Assets
JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN – April 21, 2025 In a major breakthrough under its ongoing anti-corruption drive, the Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has unearthed disproportionate assets worth over ₹11.5 crore belonging to Ashok Kumar Jangid, a superintending engineer in the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED). The investigation reveals that Jangid allegedly accumulated wealth 161% over and above his known sources of income.
The extensive operation, codenamed ‘Operation Bekhauf’, was conducted across multiple cities and districts, including Jaipur, Kotputli, Udaipur, Ajmer, Tonk, and Jaisalmer.
Massive Raids Across Rajasthan: ACB Tightens the Noose
The raids were carried out on Friday by a team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Parmeshwarlal, from ACB’s Bhiwadi unit. The action included searches at residences, commercial establishments, mineral lease sites, and Jangid’s official office in Banswara.
ACB officials said the assets discovered were spread across 54 immovable properties:
- 19 properties in Jangid’s name
- 3 properties in his wife Sunita Sharma’s name
- 32 properties in his son Nikhil Jangid’s name
Notable locations include Banipark and Vaishali Nagar—prime areas in Jaipur. Investigations also highlighted suspicious investments in mining equipment, crushers, dumper trucks, and mineral leases.
Mining Ventures and Family-Owned Firms
In a deeper probe, the ACB uncovered that Jangid’s son was allegedly operating firms involved in mining and granite extraction, including:
- UN Minerals
- Shree Balaberi Balaji Granite Mines and Minerals
These firms operate in Udaipur, Tonk, and Ajmer, with significant investments believed to originate from illegally acquired wealth.
In addition, the ACB is examining 22 bank accounts linked to Jangid and his family, which reportedly hold ₹21 lakh, alongside records of ₹30 lakh spent on education and coaching of his children.
Disproportionate Assets: A Pattern in Public Corruption?
The latest operation comes shortly after the ACB found another chief engineer possessing ₹6.25 crore in unaccounted assets, indicating a wider network of corruption within government departments.
Authorities suspect that these engineers have been abusing their positions to misappropriate public funds, flout norms in land acquisition, and route black money through benami properties and family-run ventures.
What Is Operation Bekhauf?
‘Operation Bekhauf’, launched by the Rajasthan ACB, aims to systematically dismantle corrupt networks within the state’s bureaucratic structure. The operation emphasizes transparency, surprise inspections, and digital tracking of financial transactions among government officials.
So far, it has led to several high-profile raids, arrests, and seizures across Rajasthan, signaling a toughened stance against financial misconduct in public offices.
Legal Proceedings and Further Investigation
ACB officials have confirmed that formal charges will be filed once a complete forensic accounting of the seized materials is completed. An FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act is expected soon. Further raids and witness examinations are underway to identify any accomplices within or outside the department.
Meanwhile, Ashok Jangid has not yet been arrested, as the bureau awaits results from digital evidence and financial audits.
Public Reactions and Political Implications
The revelation has triggered public outcry and sparked discussions around corruption in government engineering departments. Political analysts suggest the incident may influence upcoming local elections, particularly in constituencies where public infrastructure and water projects have seen delays or irregularities.
Citizen groups and whistleblowers have called for a broader investigation into the PHED and other engineering bodies, urging stricter transparency and real-time audits.
Conclusion: Rajasthan Tightens Grip on Corruption
As the anti-corruption campaign intensifies, the case of Ashok Kumar Jangid underscores the need for greater accountability in public service. With over ₹11.5 crore in unaccounted wealth, the incident is a stark reminder of the systemic corruption challenges facing Indian states.
The ACB’s vigilant operations, including Operation Bekhauf, represent a critical step toward cleaner governance and restoring public trust.