Senior 1993-batch IAS officer Shikhar Agarwal has been placed on APO late Wednesday night. This is the first time such an action has been taken against him during his 33 years of service.

Property purchase details under investigation

According to the matter under investigation, Agarwal's family purchased a total of 40 villas and cottages from a single company over a period of two and a half years. The total cost of all these properties was approximately Rs 6 crore 16 lakh.

Following the purchase, all these properties were leased back to the same company at an annual rate of Rs 1 crore 80 lakh. Agarwal's wife is also an IPS officer.

Clarification from the IAS officer

On the other hand, Shikhar Agarwal has clarified that this entire purchase of properties is legally valid. He stated that all details regarding this have been provided in his Immovable Property Return, known as IPR, and his income tax return.