Rajasthan Government Removes IPS Officer Prashakha Mathur Following Corruption Probe Against IAS Husband

Bureau Inquiry

The Rajasthan government placed 1995-batch Indian Police Service officer Prashakha Mathur on awaiting posting order after the Anti-Corruption Bureau received approval to investigate her husband, senior Indian Administrative Service officer Shikhar Agrawal. Mr. Agrawal, a 1993-batch officer, was also sent on awaiting posting order earlier by the state administration. The personnel department issued the order removing Ms. Mathur from her role as additional director general of police for planning, modernisation and welfare.

Property Allegations

The Anti-Corruption Bureau registered a preliminary enquiry after examining a newspaper report, a factual report from the industries department, and confidential information. Investigators allege Mr. Agrawal misused his official position to help a private firm operating resorts under the Ananta brand, granting relaxations in construction conditions, approvals without certificate verification, and a special concessional financial package. The inquiry was approved under Section 17-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Villa Purchases

The probe focuses on 40 villas allegedly bought at prices substantially below market value in luxury resorts in Udaipur and Alwar districts. In March 2026, Mr. Agrawal and Ms. Mathur allegedly purchased 10 villas each at an Ananta resort in Udaipur's Bujhda for 15 lakh rupees apiece, on the same day the finance department issued the special financial package to the firm. Additional villas in Alwar's Ajabgarh resort were allegedly acquired in the names of the couple, their two sons, and Mr. Agrawal's parents-in-law at prices ranging between 15 lakh and 16.5 lakh rupees.

Political Reactions

Anti-Corruption Bureau Director General Govind Gupta stated the investigation will examine whether the actions caused financial losses to the state government and if the family acquired assets disproportionate to known income sources. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot demanded a central agency investigation into the matter, calling it the biggest scandal under the current Bharatiya Janata Party government.

Context

Anti-corruption agencies in India routinely examine property transactions involving senior civil servants when allegations of conflict of interest or official abuse arise. Such preliminary enquiries aim to verify if public office was used to secure private financial advantages before formal charges are filed in court.