Rajasthan government places IPS officer on APO amid villa probe

The Rajasthan government has placed IPS officer Prashakha Mathur on awaiting posting orders (APO) status following a controversy involving the purchase of 40 villas and cottages. This action follows the recent removal of her husband, IAS officer Shikhar Agarwal, from his official positions.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has initiated an investigation into allegations that Agarwal misused his official position to provide undue benefits to a private hotel and resort company. The probe focuses on property transactions in the Udaipur and Alwar districts, where it is alleged that Agarwal, Mathur, and other family members purchased properties at prices significantly below market value.

Investigators are also examining whether Agarwal facilitated relaxed construction conditions and special financial packages for the company involved. Mathur, who served as Additional Director General of Police in Jaipur, has been named in the property transactions. Specifically, reports indicate that a villa in Alwar may have been omitted from her annual immovable property returns.