NEW DELHI: The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has formally taken up the probe into alleged irregularities in the construction of former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence on Flag Staff Road, a senior Delhi govt official.Two complaints lodged in 2024 by then leader of opposition in assembly and current speaker Vijender Gupta have been taken up by CVC after the chief vigilance officer of Central Public Works Department submitted his report. “The apex anti-corruption body will ascertain accountability and determine future course of action,” the official said. AAP did not comment on the matter.Speaker’s complaints on ex-CM’s residence allege many violations Gupta had allged irregularities in the construction and renovation of the CM’s official residence at 6 Flag Staff Road, Civil Lines. The complaints were formally registered by CVC after the CPWD vigilance probe.The first complaint, filed in Oct, alleged illegal construction and regulatory violations in the house. Gupta alleged that there was unauthorised demolition of eight Type-V govt flats at Rajpur Road, and two govt bungalows (8A and 8B, Flag Staff Road) were amalgamated into the residence, creating a complex of nearly 8 acres without the mandatory statutory approvals. He also alleged that tenders were floated under the description of “additions and alterations”, whereas, in reality, an entirely new structure was constructed in violation of building norms. He further alleged environmental breaches, stating that several trees were felled without the requisite clearance.The second complaint, filed in the same month, alleged misuse of public funds in renovation of the residence, claiming that crores of rupees were spent.During the Delhi assembly elections in Feb, BJP had targeted AAP on the issue, calling the renovated bungalow, “Sheesh Mahal”. The party alleged that lavish modifications and refurbishment of the house, where Kejriwal stayed during most of his tenure as CM, showed AAP had abandoned its principles of “representing the common man and austerity”.In 2022, the vigilance department initiated an inquiry, on LG V K Saxena’s direction, into alleged irregularities and cost escalation in the renovation.AAP, in its defence, had earlier said the house was in very bad condition and needed urgent repairs; otherwise, there could have been accidents. It dismissed BJP’s allegations and said whatever expenses were incurred were for the CM’s house, which anyone, even after Kejriwal, would have used.
