Demolition of ‘Pathan period’ Mahal: Home Ministry suspends IAS officer

New Delhi: Udit Prakash Rai, a 2007-batch AGMUT officer and former Delhi Jal Board (DJB) CEO, has been accused of demolishing a ‘Pathan period’ Mahal dating back to 1418, the historical heritage structure in Southeast Delhi's Jal Vihar near Lajpat Nagar, has been suspended from the service.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has found him guilty of razing the historical building and constructing a government accommodation in its place to reside during his tenure as the DJB CEO, as a reason to suspend him from service with immediate effect.

The Indian Express had earlier reported in April that Rai faced accusations from the Vigilance department for allegedly razing a "Pathan period" Mahal dating back to 1418. It was claimed that he then constructed a government accommodation in its place to reside during his tenure as the DJB CEO.

On July 31, an order was issued by Rakesh Kumar Singh, the Under Secretary, invoking Rule 3 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal), 1969, to suspend Rai during the ongoing departmental proceedings. Additionally, Rai has been restricted to the headquarters in Mizoram and must not leave the area without prior permission from the Competent Authority.

During his suspension period, Rai is entitled to receive a subsistence allowance equivalent to the leave salary of a member of the Service on half average pay or half pay. The allowance will also include a dearness allowance, if applicable, based on the leave salary under Rule 4 (1) (a) of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal), 1969.

Furthermore, in line with Vigilance department directives, the DJB issued an eviction notice to Rai on July 28, demanding that he vacate the government accommodation within 15 days. Despite being posted out of Delhi to Mizoram earlier this year, Rai's family continues to reside in the contested dwelling.