Former Delhi health minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Satyendar Jain was arrested by the Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) on Tuesday in connection with an alleged scam involving the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). The ACB arrested six accused in the case, including Jain. The investigation concerns alleged irregularities in the tendering and execution of projects related to sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Delhi.
The other arrested accused have been identified as former DJB CEO Udit Prakash Rai, former contractual consultant Ankit Srivastava, Nagendra Yadav, proprietor of AN Enterprises, Raja Kumar Kurra, owner of Euroteck Environment, and Pankaj Verma, proprietor of Srijanhar. The agency is examining the alleged role of each accused in the tender process, project approvals and financial transactions.
Case linked to four STP tenders
The investigation centres on four tenders issued for the augmentation and upgradation of sewage treatment plants under the Delhi Jal Board. The tenders were awarded in 2022, when Jain was serving as Delhi’s Water Minister.
According to the allegations, irregularities were committed during the tendering process, potentially causing financial loss to the government. The investigation is examining the process through which the tenders were issued, evaluated and awarded, as well as the subsequent execution of the projects.
The case also relates to the tendering process for upgrading STPs in 2024. Investigators are now examining whether officials and private entities involved in the projects acted in violation of prescribed procedures.
ED had filed chargesheet in 2025
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had filed a chargesheet in 2025 against Jain and 13 others in connection with an alleged ₹17.7 crore corruption case involving four tenders linked to Delhi Jal Board sewage treatment plants.
The ED investigation was initiated following an FIR registered by the Anti-Corruption Branch of the Delhi government against Euroteck Environmental Private Limited and others. The FIR alleged irregularities in the name of augmentation and upgradation of existing STPs at several locations in the capital.
STP projects under investigation
The projects under scrutiny cover several sewage treatment plants across Delhi. Package 1 included STPs at Pappan Kalan and Nilothi, while Package 2 covered Najafgarh and Keshopur. Package 3 included Coronation Pillar, Narela and Rohini, while Kondli STP was included under Package 4.
The ACB is examining tender documents, approvals, payments and the actual execution of work at these facilities. Investigators are also assessing whether the alleged irregularities resulted in financial losses to the public exchequer and whether the tendering process was manipulated to benefit particular entities.
Financial transactions and company links being examined
Following the arrests, investigators are expected to focus on the financial trail associated with the projects. The ACB is examining transactions involving the companies and individuals connected with the tenders, along with the relationships between the accused.
Investigators are also looking into whether there were financial or business links between officials involved in the tendering process and the private entities that received the contracts.
Probe likely to widen
The arrests of Jain and five other accused are expected to intensify the investigation into the alleged DJB scam. The ACB is analysing documentary, financial and administrative evidence to establish the sequence of events surrounding the tenders.
Investigators are also examining the role of other individuals who may have been involved in the alleged irregularities. Further action will depend on the evidence gathered during the ongoing investigation.
The agency is currently questioning the arrested accused and scrutinising records related to the four STP projects. If the investigation establishes the involvement of additional people or entities, further legal action may follow.
