The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday (31.07.2023) suspended IAS officer Udit Prakash Rai (IAS:2007:AGMUT) amidst a controversy surrounding the demolition of a 15th-century monument in southeast Delhi. The demolition allegedly took place to make way for a new government accommodation while Rai was serving as the CEO of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an order suspending former DJB CEO Rai with immediate effect. During the suspension period, Rai, who currently serves as a secretary with the Mizoram government, will have his headquarters in Mizoram. He is prohibited from leaving the headquarters without obtaining prior permission from the competent authority during his suspension.
Rai held the position of DJB CEO from October 2021 to June 2022. On April 26, during his tenure, Delhi’s vigilance department issued a show cause notice to Rai. The notice was in response to allegations of his involvement in the demolition of the monument situated in Jal Vihar near Lajpat Nagar. This monument is listed in the Archaeological Survey of India’s “List of Muhammadan and Hindu monuments” compiled in the 20th century.
In addition to the suspension of Udit Prakash Rai, the MHA has issued transfer orders for Ashish More (IAS:2005:AGMUT). More, who held the position of service department secretary, has been transferred from Delhi to Ladakh. This transfer decision came after his removal from the position on May 11. The removal occurred shortly after the Supreme Court upheld the elected Delhi government’s authority to appoint and transfer officers within the Capital in all departments, except for those related to land, police, and public order.
