Delhi Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma Moves into Bungalow Built After Demolishing 15th-Century Monument

Delhi Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma has officially moved into the controversial bungalow in Kilokri Jal Vihar. This residential property has been at the center of a major investigation because it was allegedly constructed by demolishing a 15th-century historical monument listed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Verma reportedly took up residence in the bungalow about a month ago, following an allotment cleared during a recent Delhi Jal Board (DJB) meeting.

Why is this bungalow surrounded by controversy?

The site originally housed a 15th-century ‘mahal’ or palace from the Pathan period, dating back to 1418 when the Sayyid dynasty ruled Delhi. In 2023, the vigilance department issued a show-cause notice to former DJB CEO Udit Prakash Rai, accusing him of razing this protected structure to build a personal residence. The construction was estimated to cost nearly ₹4 crore. While the officer was eligible for a much smaller government accommodation, this bungalow was built over a massive 5,500 square meter plot with 700 square meters of built-up area.

Official actions and the current status

• Previous Vacancy: The property remained vacant since September 2023 after the Union Home Ministry suspended Udit Prakash Rai and ordered him to vacate.
• DJB Statement: The Delhi Jal Board has stated that the previous disputes regarding the ASI monument have been resolved and the property is now a residential asset.
• Utilization: Government officials mentioned that the bungalow had to be put to use as it had been lying empty for several months.
• Security: The DJB has reportedly implemented security measures to ensure any remaining remnants of the old structure are protected.

Timeline of the Monument Dispute