Uttarakhand: Haridwar land scam; Three senior officials face action, government launches departmental inquiry

The government has once again taken a tough stance in the highly controversial Haridwar land scam. A departmental inquiry has been formally initiated against three senior officials. The officials accused include the then-DM Karmendra Singh, Municipal Commissioner Varun Chaudhary, and SDM Ajayveer Singh. The Home Department has issued an order regarding the investigation and appointed investigating officers.

Investigation report sought from Additional Secretary within one month

According to the government order, action has been initiated against suspended SDM Ajayveer Singh under the Uttarakhand Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2003, after the preliminary investigation found him guilty. He has already been served with a charge sheet, in response to which he denied all allegations on September 16th. Additional Secretary Dr. Anand Srivastava (IAS) has been entrusted with the investigation. He will be required to submit his investigation report to the government within one month.

IAS Sachin Kurve to Investigate DM and Municipal Commissioner

Meanwhile, a departmental inquiry has been initiated against the then Haridwar District Magistrate, Karmendra Singh, and Municipal Commissioner, Varun Chaudhary. Both of them will be investigated by Secretary Sachin Kurve (IAS). He will review the entire matter and submit a report to the government.

What is the matter?

The matter relates to the purchase of unsuitable land in the Gram Sarai area by the Haridwar Municipal Corporation. The corporation purchased approximately 2.3070 hectares of land for ₹54 crore, even though the land was located near a garbage dump, and serious irregularities were revealed in its actual value and the purchase process. The government has so far suspended two IAS officers, one PCS officer, and a total of 12 officers and employees in this case.

What are the allegations against the officials?

DM Haridwar Karmendra Singh

These are the allegations: District Magistrate Karmendra Singh’s role and integrity in granting permission for the land purchase were found to be questionable.

Varun Chaudhary, then Municipal Commissioner, Haridwar

These are the allegations: Passed the land purchase proposal without following proper procedures and played a major role in financial irregularities.

Ajayveer Singh, then SDM, Haridwar

These are the allegations: The land use was changed midway through the land purchase process, causing the land price to increase more than threefold.