Former Minister Mahesh Joshi Arrested on Wedding Anniversary After Early Morning ACB Raid

May 7, 2026

Jaipur: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested former Minister Mahesh Joshi from his residence in Jaipur. The ACB’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) took this action in connection with a scam worth approximately ₹900 crore involving the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). Coincidentally, today also marks Joshi’s wedding anniversary.

DIG Dr. Rameshwar Singh stated that the ACB SIT arrived at Sain Colony, located near Power House Road and the Jaipur Railway Station, at around 4:30 AM. It was here that Mahesh Joshi was taken into custody from his residence.

A medical examination was conducted at Jaipuria Hospital at approximately 10:00 AM. Following the medical tests, Mahesh Joshi was brought back to the ACB headquarters. He is scheduled to be produced before the ACB Court at around 12:30 PM.

Meanwhile, Joshi asserted, “I am innocent; I have committed no wrong. The truth may be troubled, but it can never be defeated. If I am unable to prove my innocence, I will take such a step that no one will ever have any cause for complaint against me.”

Sought Permission to Visit a Temple

Due to his wedding anniversary, Joshi had a schedule planned to visit various temples for *darshan* (worship) today. However, the ACB team took him into custody at 5:00 AM, before his plans could materialize.

Upon Joshi’s request, the team granted him permission to take a bath and offer water (*Jal*) at a Shiva temple. He performed the *Jalabhishek* (ritual water offering) at a Shiva temple located in a lane right near his home. Following this, Joshi was taken to the ACB headquarters.

Joshi Says: “No Interrogation Was Conducted”

Speaking to the media at Jaipuria Hospital, Joshi stated, “I am innocent; I have committed no wrong. The ACB arrived at my home at 4:30 AM. The ACB officials did not conduct any form of interrogation, nor did they serve me any notice. They simply arrested me and took me away.”

“I wish to assure the people of Rajasthan that I have committed no wrongdoing.” The public has elected me as an MLA twice and as an MP once. I will live up to their trust. I am being framed as a result of a political conspiracy.

Joshi also stated that he would not offer any comments regarding this case at this time. He alleged that false proceedings are being initiated against him based solely on statements obtained from the very individuals against whom he had taken action.