Jaipur: The Rajasthan government has placed senior IAS officer Shikhar Agrawal on APO (Awaiting Posting Orders) with immediate effect amid a controversy over alleged large-scale property purchases by him and his family members.
An order issued by the Department of Personnel late Wednesday night stated that he would remain on APO until further orders. However, the government cited administrative reasons for the decision. No official link has been established between the property purchase controversy and the action against the officer.
Agrawal, a 1993-batch IAS officer, was serving as Additional Chief Secretary in the Industries Department before being placed on APO. He was handling several key responsibilities related to industries, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), investment promotion and industrial development. His portfolio also included responsibilities associated with the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), the Bureau of Investment Promotion (BIP), the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) and Rajsico.
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Claim of Around 40 Properties Purchased in Two-and-a-Half Years
The controversy came to light following claims made in an investigative report detailing property purchases allegedly involving Agrawal and his family members. According to the report, Agrawal, his wife, two sons and members of his in-laws’ family purchased approximately 40 villas and cottages from a single real estate company over a period of around two-and-a-half years.
The claim that such a large number of properties were purchased from one company within a relatively short period has raised questions about the nature of the transactions and their financial aspects. Following the emergence of the report, the purchases, payment arrangements and financial dealings involving the concerned parties have come under public scrutiny.
However, the available information does not specify the total value of the properties, the sources of funds used for the purchases or the complete details of individual transactions. Information independently verifying all the claims is also not available.
The distinction between the reported property purchases and any alleged financial irregularity remains important. The purchase of multiple properties, by itself, does not establish a violation of rules or prove that the money involved was obtained through unlawful means. A clearer assessment would require relevant documents, transaction details and, if ordered by the competent authority, the findings of an appropriate inquiry.
Held Key Responsibilities in Industries and Investment
Before being placed on APO, Agrawal held a significant position in Rajasthan’s industrial development and investment administration. As Additional Chief Secretary in the Industries Department, he was responsible for overseeing matters relating to industrial policies, investment proposals and the MSME sector.
His responsibilities also involved promoting investment in Rajasthan and supporting the development of industrial projects. In addition, he handled assignments connected with the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, the Bureau of Investment Promotion and RIICO, institutions associated with industrial investment, infrastructure and project development in the state.
Following the government’s order, Agrawal has been removed from his existing position and placed on APO pending further orders.
The available details do not specify who will take over his responsibilities or whether a revised allocation of portfolios has been issued for the departments and institutions concerned.
What Does APO Mean?
APO, or Awaiting Posting Orders, is an administrative arrangement under which an officer awaits a fresh posting order instead of being assigned to a regular position. The officer remains awaiting further instructions regarding the next assignment.
Being placed on APO does not, by itself, establish that allegations against an officer have been proved or that the officer has been found guilty of any wrongdoing.
In Agrawal’s case, the Department of Personnel has cited administrative reasons in its order. No details confirming the property-related allegations or disclosing the findings of a formal inquiry have emerged in the available information.
Property Records and Possible Further Action in Focus
The documents relating to the property purchases, their valuation, the sources of payments and the financial transactions between the parties could become significant in determining the facts of the matter.
If the competent authority orders an inquiry and evidence of any irregularity emerges, further action may be considered in accordance with the applicable rules. However, the available information does not indicate that any investigative agency has confirmed the allegations or that Agrawal has been found guilty of any wrongdoing.
The government’s order also does not explicitly establish that the APO action was taken because of the property purchase controversy.
For now, two developments remain at the centre of the matter: the reported claim that Agrawal’s family members purchased around 40 villas and cottages from a single real estate company over two-and-a-half years, and the Rajasthan government’s decision to place the senior IAS officer on APO.
The precise relationship, if any, between the two developments remains officially unestablished. Further details about the transactions, any formal inquiry and its findings would be necessary to determine the full facts of the case.
