Jaipur: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) may widen its preliminary inquiry against IAS officer Shikhar Agrawal over alleged misuse of his official position in the purchase of several dozen resort villas by him and his family members at prices substantially below market value in exchange for favours to a private company.Investigators are now looking into official records and reports relating to his past postings to identify other decisions that may warrant scrutiny.Sources in the bureau said it is examining a factual report submitted by the industries department, which Agrawal headed as additional chief secretary before being placed on Awaiting Posting Orders (APO) on Oct 28.Investigators are also scanning his entire tenure since his appointment as Udaipur district collector to identify decisions, transactions or instances of alleged favouritism that may merit closer examination.The bureau had earlier alleged that Agrawal misused his official position and colluded with the directors of the hotels and resorts company Goyal Fashions Pvt Ltd to secure undue benefits for it, including relaxations in resort construction conditions, approvals without verification of mandatory certificates and a special concessional financial package.A senior official said Sunday that the bureau is still trying to ascertain the full extent of benefits granted to the company.In addition, the bureau will also check if villas of the type bought by Agrawal and his family members were sold to other investors, if any, at similarly below-market prices.The ACB registered a preliminary inquiry against Agrawal after receiving state govt approval under Section 17-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.Agrawal’s wife Prashakha Mathur, who was serving as an additional director general of police, was also placed on APO on Oct 31, although no separate inquiry has been announced against her.Currently abroad on a personal visit, Agrawal is expected to be questioned by the ACB upon his return.What ACB Is ExaminingPossible quid pro quo: Whether alleged benefits were extended to Goyal Fashions Pvt Ltd in return – including relaxations in resort construction conditions and a concessional financial package
