Taking major action on corruption, the Pushkar Singh Dhami government on Tuesday suspended the District Magistrate (DM), Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and Municipal Commissioner of Haridwar with immediate effect in connection with the land scam. The case is allegedly related to buying a piece of land worth Rs 14 crore for Rs 54 crore. All senior officials were suspended simultaneously for the first time after the order of investigation by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami. After an investigation under the leadership of Sachin Ranveer of the Uttarakhand administration, the government was submitted to a comprehensive 100-page report, convicting 12 officers including two IAS officers and a state civil service officer, after which the unprecedented administrative reshuffle occurred.
Also read this: India is now the world’s third largest domestic aviation market … IATA Summit said PM Modi
The case has been handed over to the State Vigilance Department, which has been tasked to investigate cases of corruption and bribery against government officials. Highlighting the “zero-oppression” policy of his government on corruption, Chief Minister Dhami warned that any officer will not be spared if he is found guilty of corruption.
Also read this: Ludhiana West Bypolls: Jeevan Gupta filed nomination, BJP veterans were present
Interpretation of case
According to the investigation report, initially the piece of land assessed at agricultural rates was eventually purchased at commercial rates – a step that requires the formation of a land pooling committee, which is a legal requirement. The Land Pooling Committee is responsible for maintaining transparency and helps in taking balanced decisions in terms of land acquisition. Without its approval, no land can be purchased for private or commercial use.