Rajasthan ex-minister Mahesh Joshi’s wife dies while he is in ED custody

By | April 28, 2025

Mahesh Joshi’s Arrest and Allegations

Mahesh Joshi, a former Congress minister in Rajasthan, was arrested on April 24, 2025, by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED accused Joshi of involvement in a money laundering scheme tied to the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). During his time as the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) minister from November 2021 to December 2023, Joshi allegedly accepted bribes from contractors. These bribes reportedly ranged between 2% and 3% of tender values. In return, Joshi helped contractors secure favorable treatment and overlooked irregularities in the projects.

Political Controversy Surrounding His Arrest

Joshi’s arrest sparked significant political controversy. His wife, Kaushal Joshi, was critically ill at the time. Despite this, the ED denied Joshi’s request to be with her. Tragically, Kaushal Joshi passed away on April 28, 2025. In response to her death, the ED granted Joshi interim bail to attend the funeral and handle family matters.

The Allegations and Evidence

The ED’s investigation is based on an FIR filed by the Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau. The Bureau accused contractors of bribing public officials to secure tenders and cover up discrepancies in the JJM projects. The ED conducted searches at over 70 locations, gathering evidence and incriminating documents.

Joshi’s Defense and Political Fallout

Joshi maintains that the charges against him are politically motivated. His defense team argues that the accusations stem from individuals and companies blacklisted during his tenure. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot criticized the timing of the arrest, suggesting it was part of a political vendetta. The arrest occurred while Joshi’s wife was critically ill, which raised questions about the ED’s approach.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation is ongoing, with the ED examining more evidence related to the scam. Joshi continues to deny any wrongdoing, calling the case a smear campaign. The case has drawn widespread attention and sparked debate over the role of law enforcement in politically sensitive matters.