Dehradun: In one of the strongest administrative crackdowns on corruption in Uttarakhand’s history, the state government has initiated strict action against several officials and employees in connection with the alleged land purchase scam involving the Haridwar Municipal Corporation.
Based on a vigilance investigation report, the government has decided to recommend the dismissal of former Municipal Commissioner and IAS officer Varun Chaudhary from service. A major disciplinary penalty has also been proposed against former District Magistrate Karmendra Singh.
The case relates to the highly publicized purchase of approximately 33 bighas of land by the Haridwar Municipal Corporation for around ₹540 million (₹54 crore) in 2024. The Dhami government has stated that no official or employee involved in corruption will be spared.
According to the vigilance report, irregularities were confirmed in the transaction, leading to stringent action under the directions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
The report further recommends:
- Stoppage of salary increments for former SDM Ajayveer Singh.
- Registration of criminal cases against former Assistant Municipal Commissioner Ravindra Kumar Dayal, Tax Superintendent Laxmikant Bhatt, Assistant Engineer Anand Singh Mishra, clerk Vedpal, and cartographer Dinesh Kandpal.
- Inclusion of land sellers Suman Devi, Jitendra Kumar, Abhishek Yadav, and Sujit Kumar Singh as accused in the case.
Investigators alleged that the purchased land was located near a municipal waste dumping area and that its actual market value was significantly lower than the amount paid. The inquiry also reportedly found that agricultural land had been converted under Section 143 in violation of applicable rules to facilitate the transaction.
After the matter came to light, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered an immediate investigation. Preliminary findings revealed serious irregularities, leading to the suspension of several officials, including Karmendra Singh, Varun Chaudhary, and Ajayveer Singh. The case was subsequently handed over to the vigilance department for a detailed probe.
Following confirmation of irregularities in the vigilance report, the government has moved to fix administrative accountability through disciplinary and legal action. The Chief Minister has instructed officials to ensure complete transparency in public-interest projects and to carry out their responsibilities diligently in the field.
The action is being viewed in political and administrative circles as one of the most significant anti-corruption measures taken in Uttarakhand in recent years. Observers note that cases involving simultaneous action against such a large number of officials and employees are rare and send a strong message regarding accountability and transparency within the government system.
