The Uttarakhand government on Friday stepped up its crackdown in the Haridwar Municipal Corporation land purchase case, clearing criminal action against several officials and private individuals while also initiating departmental proceedings against senior officers.
The move follows a vigilance investigation that, according to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), has prima facie found elements of criminal conspiracy and fraud in the land transaction. The alleged irregularities are said to have caused financial losses to the Haridwar Municipal Corporation.
Acting on recommendations made by the State Vigilance Committee headed by the Chief Secretary, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has cleared the registration of criminal cases against those found involved in the transaction.
The CMO said legal proceedings will be initiated under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Among those facing criminal action are former Municipal Commissioner Varun Chaudhary, former Assistant Municipal Commissioner Ravindra Kumar Dayal, Tax Superintendent Laxmikant Bhatt, Assistant Engineer and In-charge Executive Engineer Anand Singh Mishran, Property Clerk Vedpal, and Draftsman Dinesh Kandpal.
The state government has also approved criminal cases against land sellers and other associated individuals, including Suman Devi, Jitendra Kumar, Abhishek Yadav, and Sujit Kumar Singh.
Disciplinary action against senior officers
Separate departmental action has also been initiated against officers linked to the case.
According to the CMO, a recommendation has been made for the immediate dismissal of former Haridwar Municipal Commissioner Varun Chaudhary from service.
Former Haridwar District Magistrate Karmendra Singh has been held responsible for serious negligence in the discharge of official duties. The government has decided to impose a major penalty against him.
Recommendations related to both officers are being forwarded to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in accordance with prescribed procedures.
The government has also directed that an adverse entry be recorded in the service record of former Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ajayveer Singh. In addition, three of his annual increments will be withheld.
Probe followed preliminary findings of irregularities
The Chief Minister’s Office said the government acted soon after allegations surrounding the land purchase came to light.
As questions began to surface over the land deal, the state government suspended several officials, including former Haridwar District Magistrate Karmendra Singh and former Municipal Commissioner Varun Chaudhary.
A detailed investigation and special audit were later conducted to examine the transaction and determine accountability.
Dhami reiterates zero-tolerance stance
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the state government would not compromise on corruption-related matters at any level.
According to the CMO, the Chief Minister reiterated that transparency, accountability and protection of public interest remain central to governance. He said strict action would continue against those found guilty.
The government described the action as a major anti-corruption intervention and said misuse of public funds and abuse of official position would not be tolerated.