Dehradun, 10 Oct: Uttarakhand Government has claimed to have intensified its action in connection with the alleged irregularities in the purchase of land at Sarai village by the Haridwar Nagar Nigam. Departmental inquiry proceedings have been initiated against three officers associated with the case, former District Magistrate Karmendra Singh, former Municipal Commissioner Varun Chaudhary, and former Sub-Divisional Magistrate (currently under suspension) Ajayveer Singh.
It may be recalled that the Haridwar Nagar Nigam had allegedly purchased a plot of land in Haridwar district at a price much higher than then prevalent market price. Also, questions were raised regarding the use of the land for the declared purpose.
According to an order issued by the Home Department, disciplinary proceedings have been launched against suspended SDM Ajayveer Singh under the Uttarakhand Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2003 (as amended), following preliminary findings indicating his prima facie involvement. Singh had earlier been served a chargesheet and provided an opportunity to present his defence, to which he submitted a written reply on 16 September 2025 denying all allegations.
To ensure a fair and independent probe, the Government has appointed Additional Secretary Anand Srivastava (IAS) as the Inquiry Officer in the case related to Ajayveer Singh. Srivastava has been directed to complete the inquiry and submit his report to the Government within a month.
Simultaneously, the Government has nominated Sachin Kurve (IAS) as the Inquiry Officer for the departmental proceedings concerning former District Magistrate, Haridwar, Karmendra Singh and former Municipal Commissioner Varun Chaudhary. Both Chaudhary and Karmendra Singh have however not been suspended, as yet.
Commenting on this development, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reiterated that the Government remains committed to its policy of zero tolerance towards corruption and irregularities. He said ensuring transparency and accountability at every level of administration continues to be the foremost priority, and stern action would follow against any officer found guilty, regardless of rank or position.
