Haridwar: The Uttarakhand government has taken strict action in the Haridwar Municipal Corporation land purchase case, with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordering disciplinary measures against senior officials as part of the state’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption.
In the most significant action, the government has recommended the dismissal of former Haridwar Municipal Commissioner Varun Chaudhary from service with immediate effect.The government has also decided to impose a major penalty on former Haridwar District Magistrate Karmendra Singh, holding him responsible for serious negligence in the discharge of his official duties during the land purchase process.
Recommendations for action against both officers have been sent to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) for further proceedings under the applicable service rules. Apart from these actions, the government has directed that then SDM Ajayveer Singh be issued an adverse entry in his service record and that three of his annual salary increments be withheld.
The Haridwar land purchase controversy had surfaced earlier this year, prompting Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to order an immediate inquiry after allegations of irregularities emerged. Following the preliminary findings, former District Magistrate Karmendra Singh, former Municipal Commissioner Varun Chaudhary and several other officials were suspended pending investigation.
Subsequently, the government ordered a detailed probe and special audit to examine the alleged irregularities in the land purchase transaction.
Reiterating his government’s stand on corruption, Chief Minister Dhami said there would be no compromise in cases involving misuse of public money or abuse of official position. He added that transparency, accountability and public interest remain the government’s top priorities, and strict action will continue against any official found guilty.
The latest disciplinary measures are being viewed as one of the strongest administrative actions taken by the Dhami government against alleged corruption, sending a clear message that officials found responsible for financial irregularities will face stringent consequences.
