Deputy mayor, councillor under Lokayukta scanner

The Lokayukta has taken cognisance of a complaint over encroachment upon public land and unauthorised construction by South Delhi Municipal Corporation Deputy Mayor Bir Singh and his brother Brahm Singh, president of Delhi BSP unit.

The complaint alleged that the illegal activities were being carried out at their Sarita Vihar flat.
Another councillor, Shailender Singh, has also come under the Lokayukta’s scanner for unauthorised construction.

According to the office of Lokayukta Justice Manmohan Sarin, notices were issued after Justice Sarin took cognisance of a pseudonymous complaint filed before him.

Following the notice, Bir Singh deposed before the Lokayukta. Bir said the property belongs to his brother Brahm Singh, and he has no objection for action against encroachment.

Simultaneously, a notice was issued to the deputy commissioner of the south municipal body for submitting a status and compliance report on encroachment and unauthorised construction. The MCD (south) then acted quickly and demolished the wall and partly felled the porch, which was on public land.

However, Justice Sarin said the MCD (south) had not demolished the porch fully but had given a “touch of demolition”. He reminded the MCD of its duty to act with alacrity in cases of contravention and violation by those occupying positions of power, lest ordinary citizens get an impression that people in power can escape the rigours of law and lose their faith in the rule of law.

The Lokayukta also disregarded the objections from the president of the residents’ welfare association that the complaint was not made by him but that it was forged, holding that it is the credible information that mattered and not the source.

Another councillor, Shailender Singh Montey of Safdarjung Enclave (ward 63) has also come under the scanner for unauthorised construction after a pseudonymous complaint giving particulars of the property was received together with tell-tale photographs.