Delhi Junior Engineer Suspended After Demolition at Activist Jagriti Mishra's Cow Shelter

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has suspended a junior engineer following the demolition of an animal shelter run by activist Jagriti Mishra. The action follows bribery allegations raised by Mishra and an intervention by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who met Mishra and announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

According to an official order, Vikas Kumar Gupta, a Junior Engineer (Building) in the MCD's Outer North Zone, was suspended with immediate effect as disciplinary proceedings are contemplated against him. The order specified that he would receive a subsistence allowance during the suspension and could not leave his station without permission, with his headquarters set as the Superintending Engineer's office in the Outer North Zone.

Chief Minister's Intervention and Enquiries

Following a meeting with Mishra on Sunday, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced several measures:

• An inquiry into the conduct of the junior engineer was ordered.
• Directives were issued to the police to register a case against those responsible.
• The district magistrate was instructed to assist Mishra in establishing the animal shelter.
• Financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh was assured from the CM Relief Fund.

In a post on X, Chief Minister Gupta stated that the government would not tolerate harassment or the misuse of authority, adding that those found guilty would face legal action.

Bribery Allegations and Political Reactions

The controversy began with allegations of bribery before the demolition action occurred at the shelter. Amid demands for accountability, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Jarnail Singh met Mishra to address the situation.

According to an AAP statement on X, Singh clarified that the party had no connection to the alleged bribery or demolition. The statement noted that Mishra expressed regret over her previous statements following their conversation, resolving the misunderstanding.

Verification and Next Steps

The ongoing police case, district magistrate assistance, and official inquiry are expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the demolition and the civic official's conduct. Further details can be verified through official statements and updates from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi government channels.