Jodhpur Police Arrest Five Officials in Major Crackdown Over Jojari River Pollution

Jodhpur. In a significant development regarding the long-standing environmental crisis in the Jojari River, local law enforcement has taken five individuals into custody. The arrests follow a rigorous investigation into the Jodhpur Pollution Control and Research Foundation, commonly known as the CETP Trust, which has been under scrutiny for the illegal discharge of industrial effluents into the riverbed.

Among those detained are the former Managing Director of the trust, Jasraj Bothra, along with Executive Director Nilesh Sancheti, Treasurer Sangsingh Parihar, Trustee Suresh Khemani, and a supervisor identified as Gopal. These arrests mark a pivotal moment in a case that has drawn intense legal and public attention, with a total of 18 trust officials and board members currently named as suspects in the ongoing criminal proceedings.

The police action was initiated following a formal complaint filed by the Regional Officer of the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board. Investigations revealed that a joint inspection conducted in late May 2026 by various government departments, including the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board and the Jodhpur Development Authority, uncovered evidence of partially treated wastewater being released directly into the river. This practice not only caused severe environmental degradation but also created a public nuisance.

The legal pressure on the trust has been mounting, particularly as the Supreme Court has been closely monitoring the situation. Following the discovery of illegal pipelines and persistent regulatory violations, the state pollution control authorities have already enforced the closure of 306 textile units associated with the facility. The arrested individuals are expected to be presented before a local court as investigators continue to probe the extent of the negligence.

This crackdown comes just one day before a scheduled hearing in the Supreme Court regarding the river's pollution status, signaling a proactive stance by the administration to address the ecological damage. Officials have indicated that the investigation remains active and further arrests may occur as the authorities work to hold all responsible parties accountable for the systemic failure to manage industrial waste effectively.