MHA Suspends DANICS Officer Raj Kumar for Alleged Irregularities

In a significant development from the national capital, Raj Kumar, a DANICS officer, has been placed under suspension by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) due to alleged irregularities during his tenure in the Delhi government. The case pertains to the construction of the Rani Jhansi flyover, a project that faced years of delay before its completion. Kumar, who serves as the secretary of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, confirmed receiving the suspension order from the MHA, dated April 16. He expressed his inability to comment further, citing the lack of an opportunity to defend himself against the allegations.

The National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA) had previously recommended Kumar's suspension in September last year, following a panel's findings that included senior officials from the Delhi government. The disciplinary proceedings against Kumar are related to his role as the additional district magistrate (land acquisition collector) within the city government. The Rani Jhansi flyover, which was inaugurated in 2018 after nearly two decades of delays, is at the center of these allegations. This 1.8-km grade separator, which connects Filmistan Cinema hall with St Stephen's Hospital in north Delhi, was constructed by the North Delhi Municipal Corporation at a cost of Rs 724 crore.

The project's history is marred by accusations of corruption and land acquisition issues, leading to its prolonged completion timeline. In a recent development, a Lokpal bench on November 3, 2022, directed the Central Vigilance Commission to review documents and ongoing court cases to ascertain responsibility and recover any excess payments made in relation to the flyover's construction.

This suspension comes as part of the MHA's exercise of powers conferred by sub-rule(1a) of Rule 10 of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965. The President has thereby placed Raj Kumar under suspension with immediate effect. The implications of this suspension for Kumar's career and for the governance of Delhi's infrastructure projects remain to be seen.