ACB Approves Detailed Probe Against IAS Officer Shikhar Agarwal Over Alleged Misuse of Office and Undue Benefits to Private Company

Jaipur, October 30, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran): The Rajasthan government has approved a detailed investigation into allegations that IAS officer Shikhar Agarwal misused his official position and influence to extend undue benefits to a private company, Goyal Fashions Private Limited, and allegedly caused significant financial losses to the state government.

The allegations include alleged criminal collusion with the company’s directors, preferential treatment in approvals and financial incentives for resort projects, and the purchase of properties in the names of Agarwal and his family members at prices reportedly much lower than their market value.

The state government has granted prior approval for a detailed investigation under Section 17-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, according to the information provided by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

ACB Conducts Preliminary Examination

ACB Director General of Police Govind Gupta said the bureau examined and analysed a news report published in the Jaipur edition of Dainik Bhaskar on October 27, 2026, along with a factual report received from the Industries Department.

Based on this assessment and information received from confidential sources, the bureau found it appropriate to register a preliminary enquiry and conduct a detailed investigation into the facts that had emerged.

Allegations of Undue Benefits to Goyal Fashions

The preliminary enquiry reportedly found that Shikhar Agarwal, while holding several important positions in Rajasthan, allegedly misused his official position and influence.

These positions included District Collector of Udaipur, Chairman of the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, and Additional Chief Secretary in the Industries Department and other departments.

He is alleged to have colluded with the directors of Goyal Fashions Private Limited, which operates hotels and resorts under the brand name ‘Ananta’.

The allegations include granting the company undue relaxations in conditions related to resort construction, issuing approvals without verification of the required certificates, and facilitating a special concessional financial package.

Properties Allegedly Purchased in the Names of Family Members

The preliminary enquiry also brought to light allegations that Agarwal, in alleged collusion with the company’s operators, purchased villas at Ananta resorts in the names of himself and his family members.

According to the information available, 20 villas were purchased at the Ananta Resort in Buzhda, Udaipur, in March 2026. The initial information also refers to villa purchases at the Ananta Resort in Ajabgarh, Alwar district.

At the Buzhda resort, 10 villas were reportedly purchased in the name of Agarwal and another 10 in the name of his wife, at Rs 15 lakh each.

At the Ajabgarh resort, eight villas were reportedly purchased in the names of Agarwal and his wife at Rs 16.5 lakh each. Four villas were purchased in the names of their two sons at approximately Rs 15 lakh each, while another four were reportedly purchased in the names of his in-laws at approximately Rs 16.5 lakh each.

The properties were allegedly purchased at prices considerably lower than their market value.

Financial Package and Villa Registrations on the Same Day

According to information received from confidential sources, the Finance Department issued a special concessional financial package to Goyal Fashions Private Limited on March 27, 2026.

On the same date, Shikhar Agarwal reportedly got 20 villas registered.

The timing of the financial package and the property registrations is among the aspects that will be examined during the detailed investigation.

Investigation to Examine Disproportionate Assets

The preliminary enquiry indicated the need to investigate allegations that Agarwal, while holding official positions, allegedly colluded with the directors of the private company to provide it undue benefits, resulting in substantial financial losses to the state government.

The enquiry also found it necessary to examine allegations that he had accumulated assets disproportionate to his known sources of income in his own name and in the names of his family members.

Following these findings, the Rajasthan government granted prior approval for a detailed investigation under Section 17-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

The investigation will examine the role of Shikhar Agarwal, IAS, former Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries Department, Rajasthan; the directors of Goyal Fashions Private Limited; and other persons concerned.

The allegations are subject to investigation, and the findings of the detailed enquiry will establish the facts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is IAS officer Shikhar Agarwal facing an investigation?
He is facing an investigation over allegations of misusing his official position, extending undue benefits to a private company and acquiring properties at prices allegedly below market value.

2. Which private company is involved in the case?
The company named in the preliminary enquiry is Goyal Fashions Private Limited, which operates hotels and resorts under the brand name Ananta.

3. Which law has been invoked for the investigation?
The Rajasthan government has granted prior approval for an investigation under Section 17-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

4. Who confirmed the development?
ACB Director General of Police Govind Gupta provided information about the preliminary enquiry and the government’s approval for further investigation.

5. What properties are under scrutiny?
The enquiry includes reported purchases of villas at the Ananta Resort in Buzhda, Udaipur, and the Ananta Resort in Ajabgarh, Alwar district.

6. How many villas were reportedly purchased in Udaipur?
According to the information in the preliminary enquiry, 20 villas were reportedly purchased at the Buzhda resort in March 2026.

7. What is the significance of March 27, 2026?
According to information received from confidential sources, the special concessional financial package for Goyal Fashions was issued on that date, when 20 villas were also reportedly registered.

8. Who will be covered by the detailed investigation?
The investigation will examine the role of Shikhar Agarwal, the directors of Goyal Fashions Private Limited and other persons concerned.