PWD Engineers Suspended Over Delhi Chief Minister's Residence Construction Scandal

Two senior PWD engineers have been suspended and action has been recommended against five others following Lt Governor V K Saxena's approval. The suspensions are tied to alleged irregularities in constructing the Delhi Chief Minister's official residence, including demolishing the old building and constructing a new one costing over Rs 50 crore.

Two senior engineers of the Public Works Department (PWD) have been suspended and action has been recommended against five others after Lt Governor V K Saxena approved measures addressing alleged irregularities in the construction of the official residence of the Delhi Chief Minister, officials confirmed.

The engineers, which include those currently serving as well as retired or transferred personnel, were implicated in the demolition of the old official residence of the Chief Minister located at 6 Flagstaff Road. The new construction at this site came with a hefty price tag exceeding Rs 50 crore.

Documents from the Vigilance Directorate reveal that the officers were issued showcause notices in June 2023. The directorate found that these officers were allegedly engaged in delaying tactics and even approached the court but failed to secure any relief.

The matter was presented to Lt Governor V K Saxena with recommendations to suspend the officers and initiate disciplinary proceedings for major penalties against the three PWD officers who have since been transferred out from the Delhi government roles.

In particular, disciplinary actions were recommended for two retired engineers and suspensions for two currently serving ones. Lt Governor Saxena sanctioned the action, pointing out the 'subversion of all rules, regulations, and propriety' in the process of constructing the new residence under the guise of additions and alterations to the old house.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is currently under judicial custody in a separate excise policy case, while his family resides in the newly constructed official residence, which also houses his camp office.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)