IAS officer suspended by MHA for demolishing ancient monument to construct personal residence.

The Ministry of Home Affairs Suspends Former Delhi Jal Board CEO Udit Prakash Rai

The Ministry of Home Affairs has suspended former Delhi Jal Board (DJB) CEO and 2007-batch AGMUT officer Udit Prakash Rai. Rai has been accused of razing a heritage structure/monument and other charges. The suspension is effective immediately.

Background

• In April, The Indian Express reported that the Vigilance department had issued a show-cause notice to Rai for allegedly demolishing a “Pathan period” Mahal dating back to 1418 and for building a government accommodation in its place.

Suspension Order

In an order issued on July 31, the Ministry of Home Affairs placed Rai under suspension. The order states that Rai’s headquarters during the suspension period will be Mizoram, and he is not allowed to leave without prior permission.

Subsistence Allowance

Rai will be entitled to a subsistence allowance during the suspension period. The allowance will be equivalent to the leave salary of a member of the service and will include dearness allowance, if applicable.

Eviction Notice

Following the directions of the Vigilance department, the DJB issued an eviction notice to Rai on July 28. He has been asked to vacate the house within 15 days.

Current Status

Rai was posted out of Delhi to Mizoram this year, but his family still resides in the new accommodation. The monument that was demolished is located in Southeast Delhi’s Jal Vihar near Lajpat Nagar.

Summary:

• The Ministry of Home Affairs has suspended former Delhi Jal Board CEO Udit Prakash Rai with immediate effect.
• Rai has been accused of razing a heritage structure/monument and other charges.
• The suspension order states that Rai’s headquarters will be Mizoram during the suspension period.
• Rai will be entitled to a subsistence allowance during the suspension.
• The DJB has issued an eviction notice to Rai to vacate the house within 15 days.
• Rai’s family still resides in the new accommodation despite his posting in Mizoram.
• The demolished monument was located in Southeast Delhi’s Jal Vihar near Lajpat Nagar.