National

Former Rajasthan Minister Mahesh Joshi Arrested by ED in JJM Scam

Published

11 months ago

April 24, 2025

On Thursday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) apprehended former Rajasthan Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) minister Mahesh Joshi in connection with the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam. Earlier that same day, Joshi underwent more than five hours of interrogation regarding the case, which falls under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) of 2002.

Arriving at the ED’s state headquarters around 11:30 am in response to the fourth summons related to the investigation, Joshi’s questioning ultimately led to his arrest.

The ED had previously summoned the ex-Congress MLA three times last year, but Joshi sought extensions to evade his appearances, citing various reasons.

Reports indicate that the scam involves irregularities exceeding Rs 2000 crore linked to the process of inviting and approving tenders for water supply scheme contracts under JJM, which relied on forged certificates during the last Congress administration from 2018 to 2023. Senior BJP leader and Agriculture Minister Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena has claimed that the irregularities amount to over Rs 20,000 crore.

Before Joshi’s interrogation, the ED had also questioned several high-ranking PHED officials, contractors, and representatives from various supply companies. Notably, four individuals—Mahesh Mittal, Padam Chand Jain, Piyush Jain, and Sanjay Badaya—were arrested in connection with the case, but they have since been granted bail by the Supreme Court. Further arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues.

National

UP Teen Dies in Street Racing Crash In Lucknow

Published

5 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Uttar Pradesh: A 17-year-old Class 12 student died in a road accident during a street race in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday.

The victim, Naitik Kumar, was riding a Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 with a group of bikers near Janeshwar Mishra Park. While racing, he suddenly lost control of his bike after hitting something on the road.

His bike crashed into a Honda Activa in front of him. He then fell onto a road divider and suffered serious head injuries.

The Activa slid across the road and hit another bike, a Kawasaki Ninja, which was moving at high speed. The Ninja rider was adjusting his action camera when the accident happened.

Naitik Kumar was rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared him dead. Police said he was not wearing proper protective gear.

Two others involved in the accident suffered minor injuries. Police are checking CCTV footage to find the exact cause of the crash.

National

BCM Hostel Manager Dies by Suicide

Published

11 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Hassan: A hostel manager working under the Backward Classes Welfare Department died by suicide in Channarayapatna of Hassan district.

The deceased has been identified as Lokesh (45). He had been serving as a warden for two hostels in Guddenahalli, Hassan, and was recently promoted as a hostel manager a few days ago. Following the promotion, he was posted as the manager of the BCM hostel in Channarayapatna.

According to reports, Lokesh allegedly died by suicide by hanging himself at his residence on Saturday night.

The exact reason for his suicide is not yet known. Local police visited the spot, conducted a preliminary inspection, and have begun an investigation into the incident.