Jaipur, June 8 (IANS) The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday produced six accused, including Jugal Kishore Bishnoi, Director of the Rajasthan State Seed Corporation, before the ACB Special Court in Bikaner in connection with the fake seed case.

The court remanded all six accused to ACB custody for five days.

The ACB had arrested the six individuals on Saturday. During the operation, officials recovered Rs 1.59 crore in cash from Bishnoi’s residence and Rs 85 lakh from his nephew, Swatantra Vishnoi, taking the total seizure in the case to Rs 2.44 crore.

The action is being viewed as one of the most significant crackdowns on corruption linked to issues affecting farmers and food security.

According to the ACB, Jugal Kishore Bishnoi was detained from Aravali Apartments near the B-2 Bypass in Jaipur.

Kiran Kapadia, proprietor of the “Gajraj” brand, who is alleged to have offered a bribe worth crores, was arrested from a hotel on Tonk Road after arriving in Jaipur from Gujarat.

Ganpat Bishnoi was apprehended from the MLA quarters, while searches were also conducted at his residence in Phalodi. However, the alleged Rs 60 lakh linked to the case was not recovered.

Brokers Sunil Setia and Satpal were also arrested late at night for their alleged involvement.

The ACB received information that Jugal Kishore was attempting to send Rs 90 lakh, allegedly part of the bribe money, to Sri Ganganagar through his nephew, Swatantra Vishnoi.

Acting on the tip-off, ACB officials intercepted a bus at Lunkaransar, searched it, recovered Rs 85 lakh in cash from Swatantra, and arrested him.

Subsequent searches at Jugal Kishore’s residence led to the recovery of another Rs 1.59 crore.

Preliminary investigations indicate that efforts were allegedly made at multiple levels to influence proceedings related to the fake seed case, secure laboratory clearance for seed samples, and facilitate the resumption of seed sales.

Jugal Kishore Bishnoi, who served as a Director of the Rajasthan State Seed Corporation, had received a political appointment only a few months ago.

Official sources suggest that his appointment was made on the recommendation of a former MLA with whom he had previously worked.

The ACB investigation is ongoing, and further revelations are expected as the agency continues its interrogation of the accused.

–IANS

arc/pgh