IIT-educated IAS officer sent on compulsory leave amid property purchase row

Shikhur Agarwal, a civil engineer from IIT Kanpur who went on to serve as an Indian Administrative Service officer, has been placed on Compulsory Leave Pending Outcome (APLO) by the Rajasthan government. The 1993-batch IAS officer, who previously held senior positions overseeing key departments in the state administration, became the subject of investigation following media reports about his family's property transactions.

According to available reports, Agarwal's family purchased 40 villa and cottage units across two resort properties—Ananta Resort in Udaipur and another in Alwar—for approximately Rs 6.16 crore over a 30-month period. The transactions reportedly included lease agreements, with documents registered transferring the properties back to the resort company. Such rapid acquisition and immediate leasing of multiple properties raised questions about the source of funds and the commercial rationale behind the transactions.

The Rajasthan government's decision to place the officer on compulsory leave comes as administrative authorities examine the circumstances of the property purchases. The case highlights scrutiny often faced by senior bureaucrats regarding their financial dealings and asset accumulation. Agarwal's educational credentials from premier institutions and his track record in managing significant state portfolios have not shielded him from the investigation.

The APLO status effectively suspends the officer's duties pending the outcome of inquiries into the matter. Such administrative action is typically initiated when concerns arise regarding an official's conduct or financial propriety that warrant formal examination before determining further course of action.