Irregularities in Delhi CM's Residence Construction Lead to Suspensions

Two senior engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD) have been suspended, and action has been recommended against five others following Lt Governor V K Saxena's approval. This is in connection with alleged irregularities in constructing the official residence of Delhi's chief minister, officials reported.

The engineers, both current and former, were implicated in the demolition of the old residence at 6 Flagstaff Road and the construction of a new one costing over Rs 50 crore. The Vigilance Directorate documents revealed that showcause notices were issued to these officers in June 2023.

Disciplinary Actions Recommended

The Vigilance Directorate found that the officers allegedly used delaying tactics and approached the court but did not receive any relief. The matter was then presented to Lt Governor V K Saxena with recommendations for their suspension and initiation of disciplinary proceedings for major penalties against three PWD officers who have since been transferred out of the Delhi government.

It was advised to start disciplinary proceedings for major penalties against two retired engineers and suspend two currently serving ones. The LG approved action against these officers, noting a subversion of all rules, regulations, and propriety in constructing the new house for the chief minister under the guise of additions or alterations to the old house.

Showcause Notices Issued

The documents from the Vigilance Directorate indicated that showcause notices were issued to the involved officers in June 2023. Despite their attempts to delay proceedings and seek court intervention, they failed to obtain any relief.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is currently under judicial custody related to an excise policy case. His family resides in the newly constructed official residence, which also houses his camp office.

The engineers involved include those currently serving as well as those who have retired or been transferred. They were part of the alleged demolition of the old official residence and construction of a new one at a cost exceeding Rs 50 crore.

The LG's approval for action came after it was found that there was a significant breach of rules and propriety during the construction process. The recommendation included suspending two currently serving engineers and initiating major penalty proceedings against two retired ones.

The Vigilance Directorate's findings showed that despite attempts by the officers to delay proceedings and seek court intervention, they did not succeed in getting any relief. This led to placing the matter before Lt Governor V K Saxena for further action.

The issue revolves around alleged irregularities in constructing Delhi's chief minister's official residence. The engineers involved were part of demolishing the old residence and building a new one at a substantial cost.

The LG noted that there was a complete subversion of rules, regulations, and propriety in constructing the new house under the pretext of making additions or alterations to the old house where the chief minister resided.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is currently under judicial custody due to an excise policy case. His family continues to live in the newly constructed official residence, which also serves as his camp office.

The Vigilance Directorate's documents showed that showcause notices were issued to these officers in June 2023. Despite their efforts to delay proceedings and seek court intervention, they failed to get any relief.

The matter was placed before Lt Governor V K Saxena with recommendations for suspending two currently serving engineers and initiating major penalty proceedings against two retired ones. The LG approved action against these officers, citing a significant breach of rules and propriety during construction.

This case involves alleged irregularities in constructing Delhi's chief minister's official residence. Engineers involved were part of demolishing the old residence and building a new one at a cost exceeding Rs 50 crore.