Last Updated:
The BJP has alleged that marble flooring, high-end bathroom fittings, and expensive curtains were added to the official residence of then-Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, hiking the total cost. The CBI has been investigating alleged tender rule violations, flouting of construction norms, and lapses by…Read More
Former official residence of then-Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. File image
The tabling of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report in the Delhi assembly could pave the way for a CBI probe picking up pace into the alleged wrongdoings in the construction and upgrade of 6 Flagstaff Road, the official residence of then-Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.
“Once the report is tabled, it will be clear if CAG found impropriety or corruption. If CAG recommended further probe into the alleged lapses and points to corrupt practices, then the CBI inquiry could translate into a regular case,” a government official told CNN-News18.
The Central Bureau of Investigation initiated a preliminary inquiry in 2023 against unknown public servants of the Delhi government. The agency has been investigating alleged tender rule violations, flouting of construction norms, and lapses by the public works department (PWD).
However, the CAG report is being watched closely by the anti-corruption agency. “Media reports suggest that CAG found some documents missing related to the construction of the Flagstaff Road residence. If the report tabled notes these discrepancies, then it could be a case of criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence, and corruption,” a CBI official told News18.
A leaked report that claimed it was the CAG finding on the former CM’s residence alleged a lack of transparency in awarding consultancy contracts and selecting contractors. “Spot quotations from three consultants were finalised within a day, with no documentation explaining the selection process,” the leaked report claimed.
The leaked audit report also alleged that preliminary estimates prepared by consultants for the construction of Kejriwal’s residence “lacked clarity and underwent multiple revisions during the project, leading to inflated costs and a 36% increase in the built-up area”.
The Central Vigilance Commission has asked the CPWD to submit a detailed probe report after taking cognisance of a complaint by BJP Delhi chief Virender Sachdeva.
The CBI too has been examining records of PWD officers who gave approval for additions, or alterations, to the original building. Officials said that the agency has been probing “documents pertaining to approval of the building plan and the request from the client for executing work of superior specification”.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has alleged that marble flooring, high-end bathroom fittings, and expensive curtains were added to the residence, hiking the total cost. If the CAG report confirms these allegations, the CBI would want to question the contractors and the PWD officials to understand who sanctioned these alterations and the additional cost to the exchequer.
