Central Vigilance Commission orders probe into Arvind Kejriwal’s ‘Sheesh Mahal’ over renovation irregularities

CVC has directed the PWD to conduct a detailed probe into the alleged merger of properties to expand the 6, Flagstaff Road bungalow and the expenditures incurred on its interiors.

New Delhi: Seems like troubles are not getting over for former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, as the Central Vigilance Commission on Sunday passed an order to initiate a detailed investigation into the renovations of the Delhi Chief Minister’s residence (6, Flagstaff Bungalow), earlier used by Kejriwal, on the basis of the report submitted by the CPWD.

The BJP labelled the official residence of Delhi Chief Minister as “Sheesh Mahal” for alleged corruption in the renovation works. The bungalow was occupied by Kejriwal as the chief minister from 2015 till the first week of October last year.

No reaction was received from the AAP or Kejriwal on the matter.

According to BJP leader Vijender Gupta, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) acknowledged two previous complaints and requested factual reports from the Public Works Department (PWD), leading to its directive for a comprehensive investigation.
In his first complaint to the CVC, the newly-elected BJP MLA from Rohini alleged that Kejriwal flouted building regulations to construct a lavish mansion covering 40,000 square yards (8 acres) of land.

Government properties, including plot Nos. 45 and 47 on Rajpur Road (previously housing senior officials and judges in Type-V flats) and two bungalows (8-A and 8-B, Flag Staff Road) were demolished and merged into the new residence, violating ground coverage and floor area ratio norms and lacking proper layout plan approvals, Gupta alleged.

In his second complaint, Gupta accused of excessive expenditure on the renovation and interior design of the bungalow located at 6, Flag Staff Road. He further alleged significant financial misconduct and the misuse of crores of rupees from taxpayer funds for opulent facilities in the bungalow.

(With PTI inputs).