In one of the most significant anti-corruption actions undertaken by the Uttarakhand government in recent years, disciplinary and criminal proceedings have been initiated against multiple officials allegedly linked to irregularities in a high-value land purchase by the Haridwar Municipal Corporation.
The state government has recommended the dismissal of former Municipal Commissioner Varun Chaudhary, a 2017-batch IAS officer, while also initiating major penalty proceedings against former District Magistrate Karmendra Singh.
The action follows extensive investigations into the purchase of land intended for a municipal waste management and garbage disposal facility in Haridwar.
Alleged Financial Loss of ₹39 Crore
The controversy centers on the acquisition of approximately 2.3070 hectares of land located in Gram Sarai.
According to findings cited in the inquiry, the land—allegedly valued at approximately ₹15 crore—was purchased for around ₹54 crore by the municipal corporation.
Investigators have alleged that the transaction resulted in a financial loss of nearly ₹39 crore to the public exchequer.
Authorities further claim that multiple administrative, financial, and procedural norms were not followed during the acquisition process.
Rapid Land Conversion Draws Scrutiny
One of the key aspects examined during the investigation involved the conversion of the land under Section 143.
Ordinarily, converting agricultural land into non-agricultural or commercial-use land requires multiple approvals and can take several weeks or months.
However, investigators allege that in this case the entire conversion process was completed within six to seven days of the application being filed.
The inquiry report suggests that the rapid conversion significantly increased the official valuation of the property.
Alleged Valuation Shift
- Agricultural classification valuation: Approximately ₹6,000 per square meter
- Post-conversion valuation: Approximately ₹25,000 per square meter
Investigators believe the accelerated conversion process became a critical factor in the pricing of the land and remains a central element of the ongoing probe.
Criminal Cases Recommended Against Multiple Individuals
Following vigilance inquiries and administrative reviews, the State Vigilance Committee has reportedly approved the registration of criminal cases under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The proposed criminal proceedings reportedly cover ten individuals, including several private parties associated with the transaction.
Among those identified in the investigation are:
- Suman Devi
- Jitendra Kumar
- Abhishek Yadav
- Sujit Kumar Singh
Authorities are continuing to examine documentary records, financial transactions, and administrative approvals connected to the purchase.
Dismissal Recommendation Sent for IAS Officer
The most severe administrative action has been proposed against former Municipal Commissioner Varun Chaudhary.
As an Indian Administrative Service officer, dismissal from service requires compliance with central government procedures and approval through the competent authorities.
The Uttarakhand government has reportedly forwarded its recommendation for termination to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) for further consideration.
The recommendation follows findings that allegedly identified serious lapses during the land acquisition process.
Former District Magistrate Faces Major Penalty Proceedings
Former Haridwar District Magistrate Karmendra Singh is also facing disciplinary action.
Authorities have initiated major penalty proceedings, a category of disciplinary action that may result in penalties ranging from reduction in rank to dismissal from service, depending on the outcome of departmental inquiries.
The proceedings reportedly relate to alleged negligence in the discharge of official responsibilities connected with the transaction.
Additional Officials Under Scrutiny
The investigation has also extended to several officials associated with municipal administration, finance, engineering, and revenue functions.
Officials whose roles have reportedly been examined include:
- Nikita Bisht, Senior Finance Officer
- Vicky, Senior Personal Assistant
- Rajesh Kumar, Registrar Kanungo
- Kamaldas, Chief Administrative Officer
Administrative action has also reportedly affected:
- Ravindra Dayal, Acting Assistant Municipal Commissioner
- Vedpal, Property Clerk
- Anand Mishrawan, Acting Executive Engineer
- Laxmikant Bhatt, Tax and Revenue Superintendent
- D.C. Kandpal, Junior Engineer
According to reports, certain service extensions have been terminated, while some officials have been suspended pending further proceedings.
Asset Recovery and Financial Review
Authorities are also examining financial records connected to the transaction and have reportedly initiated measures aimed at preserving assets for potential recovery proceedings.
Investigators continue to scrutinize land records, approval files, valuation reports, and related financial documentation to determine the complete extent of the alleged irregularities.
Shunyatax Global Insight
The Haridwar Municipal Corporation land purchase case represents one of the most significant governance and accountability investigations currently underway in Uttarakhand. The matter highlights the importance of transparent land valuation processes, independent administrative oversight, and strict adherence to public procurement norms.
As criminal investigations and departmental proceedings advance, the case is expected to become a major test of institutional accountability within local governance and administrative systems.
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