By Arun Pratap Singh
Haridwar, 6 May: Senior IAS officer Ranveer Singh Chauhan, who has been tasked with holding an inquiry into an alleged land scam related to Haridwar Municipal Corporation, arrived here, today, to begin his investigation. He first inspected the land in question and later recorded statements while questioning municipal officials and employees at Dam Kothi. Chauhan also examined relevant documents related to the case.
Speaking on the matter with local journalists here, Chauhan stated that it would be premature to draw conclusions at this stage, as the investigation is still in its initial phase. He confirmed that all individuals concerned are being questioned and documents scrutinised. Chauhan today conducted an on-site land inspection. He said that any further action will be determined based on the findings.
The probe into the land purchase scam began following allegations that the Haridwar Municipal Corporation had acquired approximately 33 bighas of land in Sarai village for Rs 58 crores in November 2024. The land was located near the municipal garbage disposal centre, and the local experts claim that the actual market value of land is between Rs 10 to Rs 15 crores. It is alleged that land use modifications and adjustments based on the circle rate suddenly inflated its price, causing a significant financial loss to the government treasury.
This alleged land scam had become viral on social media for a few days when taking a cognisance of the same, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, ordered an inquiry into the alleged scam and entrusted the investigation to the Secretary level IAS officer Ranveer Singh Chauhan, who also serves as Secretary, Sugarcane and Sugar Department. To strengthen the inquiry, PCS officer Manish Singh has been appointed Assistant Investigation Officer. During the purchase of land scam, Varun Chaudhary, an IAS officer of 2017 cadre is reported to be serving as the Municipal Commissioner. It may also be recalled that the Municipal Councils as well the Municipal Corporations were at that time under administrative control of District Magistrates who were given additional charge as Municipal Administrators in absence of an elected Municipal Boards. The CM had also ordered suspension of four officers namely Junior Engineer Dinesh Chandra Kandpal, Tax and Revenue Superintendent Laxmikant Bhatt, Assistant Engineer, who were suspended after preliminary findings by the Haridwar Municipal Corporation Commissioner pointed to serious irregularities. However, it is a matter of public and common knowledge that such land deals can’t be done without sanction of the higher authorities and therefore the suspension of merely low level officers prima facie appears not only highly inadequate but an attempt to project as if the government is serious to punish the guilty. Sources also do not rule out a possible involvement of senior officers and possibly some politicians in the land deal.
On the other hand, the government claims that the investigation is progressing swiftly, with authorities determined to uncover the truth. Chauhan has assured that the inquiry will be completed within the stipulated timeframe, as per the CM’s directive. Meanwhile, additional scrutiny has been placed on financial transactions related to the land purchase. It however remains to be seen if any further disciplinary actions will be taken against officials if found guilty of misconduct.
