New Delhi, May 11: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has detained Sanjay Badaya, the alleged mastermind and key intermediary in the ₹900 crore Water Life Mission (JJM) scam, at Delhi Airport.
Officials reported that he is being brought to Jaipur for further investigation. Badaya had traveled to Thailand to attend a wedding. Upon his arrival at Delhi Airport, the immigration bureau promptly notified the ACB, which led to his arrest. A lookout notice was issued against him on May 10.
Three other accused individuals are still at large. Investigative agencies claim that Badaya played a central role as an intermediary in the JJM scam. He is alleged to have close ties with former water supply minister Mahesh Joshi and retired IAS officer Subodh Agarwal, both of whom have already been arrested.
Agencies assert that Badaya was actively involved in facilitating financial transactions, transfers, appointments, recruitment of new personnel, and irregularities in the tender process. He resides in the Bani Park area of Jaipur.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had previously arrested him on July 16, 2024, but he was granted bail by the Supreme Court on December 17, 2024.
Investigators revealed that until 2022, Badaya worked at an insurance company with an annual salary of approximately ₹7 lakh. However, following the alleged JJM scam, he reportedly amassed significant wealth in a short time.
The ED’s investigation also uncovered that he established a company in which his wife, Naina Badaya, is a partner. This company allegedly conducted business worth millions in Jaipur. Investigators have also revealed attempts to encroach on land belonging to the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) using forged documents.
In connection with this case, ACB arrested former water supply minister Mahesh Joshi on May 7. The court has remanded him to ACB custody until May 11, and he is scheduled to be presented in court on Monday after the remand period ends.
Earlier, on April 9, former additional chief secretary Subodh Agarwal was also arrested and is currently in jail.
According to the ACB’s preliminary investigation and charges, if found guilty under the Prevention of Corruption Act, Mahesh Joshi, Subodh Agarwal, and other co-accused could face up to ten years of rigorous imprisonment.
This operation was conducted under the supervision of DIG Dr. Rameshwar Singh, with ASP Mahavir Prasad Sharma, ASP Bhupendra Singh, and ASP Himanshu Kuldeep as part of the arrest team. Reports indicate that this action was taken under the directives of DG Govind Gupta and ADG Smita Srivastava.
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