CAG of India conducting a particular audit of economic irregularities after CM Arvind Kejriwal used taxpayers’ cash to renovate his palatial bungalow
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The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is conducting in what it mentioned is a “special audit” into the alleged “administrative and financial” irregularities throughout the renovation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence ‘Sheesh Mahal’ at 6, Flag Staff Road Civil Lines, Delhi.
According to sources in Lieutenant Governor’s workplace, the CAG’s particular audit transfer follows a suggestion by the Ministry of Home Affairs after having acquired a letter on May 24, 2023 from the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat, identified the gross monetary irregularities, prima facie, have been reported within the reconstruction of Kejriwal’s official residence. The LG, in his letter, underlined that these violations or “extravagant expenditure” befell on the behest of “Hon’ble CM Madam”, in an obvious reference to Kejriwal’s spouse, throughout the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
LG VK Saxena, citing a report of the Delhi Chief Secretary, mentioned prima facie full-fledged development/re-construction of a brand new constructing was finished by the PWD division within the title of renovation.
Also, the report alleged the possession of the property was not ascertained by the PWD earlier than commencing the development. The necessary and pre-required approvals have been additionally not obtained from the ‘Building Committee’ of the PWD division until now.
The preliminary value for development work which was to be Rs 15-20 crore inflated from time-to-time and as per report, a complete expenditure of roughly Rs 53 crore have been spent until date, which is greater than thrice the preliminary estimate.
Also, accusations have been levelled in opposition to Kejriwal that he violated norms whereas felling or transplanting timber.
