2 PWD engineers suspended for irregularities in construction of Delhi Chief Minister’s official residence

New Delhi: Two senior engineers of the PWD have been suspended and legal action initiated against five others after Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena gave approval for alleged irregularities in the construction of the official residence of the Delhi Chief Minister, officials said.

The engineers, both currently serving and those who have either retired or been transferred, were involved in the alleged demolition of the Chief Minister’s old official residence at 6 Flagstaff Road and construction of a new residence in its place at a cost of over Rs 50 crore.

Vigilance Directorate records showed that officials were sent requests for comment in June 2023.

According to the documents, the directorate found that the officials allegedly used delaying tactics and also approached the court but did not get any relief.

The case was referred to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena with a recommendation for their suspension and initiation of disciplinary proceedings with severe punishment against three PWD officials who have since been transferred from the Delhi Municipal Corporation.

It was recommended that disciplinary proceedings with severe penalties be initiated against two retired engineers and the suspension of two serving engineers.

The LG gave his approval for action against the officials and found that “all rules, regulations and codes of decency” had been undermined in the construction of the Prime Minister’s new house under the pretext of an extension/renovation of the old house in which he lived.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is currently in custody under tax laws. His family lives in the new official residence, which also houses his office.