AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal. File | Photo Credit: ANI

The Central Vigilance Commission has directed the Public Works Department of the Delhi government 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, BJP leader Vijender Gupta said on Saturday (February 15, 2025).

The bungalow labelled as "Sheesh Mahal" by the BJP for alleged corruption was occupied by Arvind Kejriwal as the chief minister of Delhi from 2015 till the first week of October last year.

No immediate reaction was available from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) or its convenor Mr. Kejriwal on the matter.

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) took cognisance of BJP leader Vijender Gupta’s two earlier complaints and factual reports of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) based on which it has now directed to conduct detailed probes.

In his first complaint to the CVC, the newly-elected BJP MLA from Rohini alleged that Mr. 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, Mr. Gupta alleged "extravagant spending" on the renovation and interior decoration of the bungalow on 6, Flag Staff Road.

He also claimed "massive financial irregularities" and expenditure of crores of rupees from the taxpayers' money on luxurious amenities in the bungalow.

“The complaint highlighted astronomical expenses, including ₹77 lakh on television, ₹50 lakh on a silk carpet, ₹42 lakh on brass railings, ₹20 lakh on a spa, ₹18 lakh on a hot water generator and ₹12 lakh on toilet seats,” he said.

The CVC sought a factual report on his second report from CPWD that was submitted on December 24, 2024, confirming the allegations of “extravagant and unjustifiable spending”, he said.

“After reviewing the factual report, the CVC directed CPWD to conduct a deeper investigation into the misuse of public funds, with suitable action to be taken against those responsible,” he said.

Mr. Gupta asserted the Aam Aadmi Party and its supremo Arvind Kejriwal should not be under the “illusion” that they would get away from facing the law, as PM Narendra Modi had said that those who have “looted the public money” will have to pay back.

Published - February 15, 2025 10:56 am IST