Haridwar land scam: Departmental inquiry begins against three accused officers, CM says government working on zero tolerance policy

The government has initiated a departmental inquiry against the then District Magistrate (DM) Karmendra Singh, Municipal Commissioner Varun Chaudhary, and SDM Ajayveer Singh, accused in the land purchase scam at Village Sarai of the Haridwar Municipal Corporation. The Home Department has issued an order in this regard.

Under the order, based on prima facie involvement, disciplinary action has been initiated against SDM Ajayveer Singh (suspended) under the provisions of the Uttarakhand Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2003 (as amended). He was previously given an opportunity to present his side of the story when the charge sheet was issued, and in response, he submitted a written reply on September 16th, denying all allegations.

Instructions to Submit Investigation Report to the Government
To ensure a fair investigation in this matter, the government has now appointed Additional Secretary Dr. Anand Srivastava (IAS) as the investigating officer against Ajayveer Singh. He has been directed to submit the investigation report to the government within one month. The government has designated Secretary Sachin Kurve (IAS) as the investigating officer for the ongoing departmental inquiry against the then District Magistrate of Haridwar, Karmendra Singh, and the then Municipal Commissioner, Varun Chaudhary.

It should be noted that the government suspended 12 accused officers and employees, including two IAS officers and one PCS officer, in the Haridwar land scam. The Haridwar Municipal Corporation purchased 2,307 hectares of unsuitable land near a garbage dump in village Sarai for Rs 54 crore.

The state government is firmly pursuing a policy of zero tolerance for corruption and irregularities. Ensuring transparency and accountability in governance is our top priority. Strict action will be taken against any irregularity found at any level, regardless of the official’s rank.

—Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister