In a major crackdown on the Haridwar land scam, the Uttarakhand government on Tuesday suspended seven officials, including Haridwar District Magistrate Karmendra Singh, former Municipal Commissioner Varun Chaudhary, and former SDM Ajayveer Singh. This action follows earlier proceedings against five other officials. A vigilance probe has been ordered, and the controversial land registry will be annulled.
The scam involves the purchase of 2.3070 hectares of unsuitable land near a garbage dump in Gram Sarai by the Haridwar Municipal Corporation for crores of rupees. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had ordered an inquiry after questions were raised about the purchase. Secretary Ranveer Singh Chauhan submitted the preliminary investigation report to the government on May 29. Based on its findings, the CM directed the Department of Personnel to take strict action.
Following his directive, the Department of Personnel and Vigilance issued suspension orders against all seven accused officers. A special audit will also be conducted for all administrative and financial activities carried out by former Municipal Commissioner Varun Chaudhary during his tenure at Haridwar Nagar Nigam.
Two IAS and one PCS officer have been attached to the Personnel and Vigilance Department for further inquiry. CM Dhami has instructed the Vigilance Department to conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify everyone involved. Additionally, he has ordered the cancellation of the land sale deed and directed the recovery of funds paid to the landowners.
