Mastermind Padam Chand Jain held, on 5-day remand

Jaipur: The Enforcement Directorate (ED), acting under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in the Jal Jeevan Mission corruption case in Rajasthan, arrested Padam Chand Jain, operator of M/s Shri Shyam Tubewell, late Thursday. Jain, considered the case’s mastermind, was produced in Jaipur’s Special Court for CBI cases on Friday, where the ED sought a 5-day remand.

The ED plans to intensify actions against others arrested by the ACB, based on gathered evidence. Allegations of corruption surfaced immediately after the scheme’s implementation, with accusations totaling Rs 20,000 crore by State Agriculture Minister Dr Kirodi Lal Meena.

ACB arrests in August 2023 prompted ED’s involvement, leading to raids and discoveries of cash, gold, and digital equipment.

Jain’s firm is accused of using fraudulent work certificates and stolen goods in the scheme.

During the court hearing, Padma Chand Jain’s lawyer called his arrest illegal, requesting medical care. ED’s lawyer highlighted the seriousness of Jain’s alleged crimes, citing embezzlement of crores. Judge Ram Avtar Soni ordered a 5-day remand for investigation.