Atishi recommends removal of top Delhi officers in compensation scandal

New Delhi: In a significant development, Delhi's Vigilance Minister Atishi has presented a preliminary report to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, urging the removal of Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar and Divisional Commissioner Ashwani Kumar over their alleged involvement in a compensation scandal related to land acquisition.

The report exposes a tangled web of connections and a timeline that suggests complicity among top officers.

Allegations Unveiled in 670-Page Preliminary Report

Atishi's extensive 670-page report highlights damning facts, hinting at the involvement of Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, DM Southwest Hemant Kumar, and landowners in a contentious land acquisition on the Dwarka Expressway. The report suggests a conspiracy to undervalue the scam, estimating it at Rs 312 crore when the actual illicit gains for beneficiaries could reach Rs 850 crore.

Denials and Character Assassination

A day before Atishi's submission, Delhi Additional Chief Secretary Ashwani Kumar dismissed the allegations, calling them "false and baseless" and claiming an assault on the Chief Secretary's character. However, Atishi's report indicates a different narrative.

Minister Recommends ED Probe and Disciplinary Action

In response to the inquiry, Minister Atishi has proposed an Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. Furthermore, she recommends disciplinary proceedings against Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar and Divisional Commissioner Ashwani Kumar.

Call for Immediate Removal and CBI Inquiry

Atishi, in her report, advocates for the immediate removal of the implicated officers to prevent any influence on the ongoing investigation. Additionally, she suggests involving the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to expand the inquiry and investigate the potential complicity of Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar and Divisional Commissioner Ashwani Kumar.

High Court Nullifies Compensation Award

The controversy revolves around a compensation award issued by DM Hemant Kumar, later suspended, for land acquisition in Bamnoli village on Dwarka Expressway. The Delhi High Court nullified the award, citing a violation of natural justice and patent illegalities.

Financial Implications for the Government

Implementing the annulled award would have burdened the government with an additional financial liability of Rs 312.3 crore, showcasing the severity of the alleged wrongdoing.

The unfolding scandal raises concerns about corruption within top administrative ranks, demanding thorough investigations and decisive actions to maintain the integrity of the Delhi government.

(With ANI Inputs)