Self Proclaimed Chief Secretary trying to save Main Culprit of Haridwar Nagar Nigam ‘s Land Purchase Scam!

Haridwar: In the ₹58 crore scam involving the Haridwar Municipal Corporation, a powerful IAS officer—who was earlier a PCS officer—reportedly made every possible effort to protect the prime accused, IAS Varun Chaudhary. This officer even attempted to take over the investigation himself. However, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami thwarted his intentions by assigning the probe to IAS Ranveer Chauhan instead.

The attempts to shield Varun Chaudhary are ongoing, but saving him appears difficult, as the documents clearly point to him as the main culprit in the scam. The PCS-turned-IAS officer was fully aware of the irregularities and allegedly projects himself as someone who practically runs the state. Known for questionable conduct during his PCS tenure, his influence and wealth have only grown since becoming an IAS.

Insiders say if a probe is launched into his assets, the extent of the amassed wealth would shock many. Despite setbacks, he is still attempting behind-the-scenes maneuvers to protect Varun Chaudhary. Reportedly, he even tried to take over the investigation himself. However, CM Dhami’s decision to appoint Ranveer Chauhan as the investigating officer has changed the course, promising a fair and transparent probe.
It’s also reported that this IAS officer wasn’t acting alone—3–4 other IAS officers, described as his close allies, were lobbying to protect Chaudhary. But after receiving strong warnings from higher authorities, their efforts seem to have quieted down. Notably, the senior IAS lobby in Uttarakhand has shown no interest in defending Varun Chaudhary.
The investigation into the ₹58 crore scam is now underway under IAS Ranveer Chauhan, and the final report will be submitted directly to CM Pushkar Singh Dhami.

Some Officers Undermining the Chief Minister’s Efforts

While Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is tirelessly working to make Uttarakhand an exemplary state, certain officers within the administration are leaving no stone unturned in sabotaging his vision. However, the Chief Minister has now tightened his grip and is prepared to deal with such officials firmly.
By handing over the investigation of IAS Varun Chaudhary to IAS Ranveer Chauhan, CM Dhami has set a strong precedent — that there will be no place for corruption in the state going forward.
In this case, questions are also being raised about SDM Ajay Singh, who not only invoked Section 143 but showed unusual haste in several matters, drawing criticism for his functioning style.
Varun Chaudhary is also said to have manipulated matters involving Haridwar District Magistrate Kamrendra Singh, who at the time also served as the Administrator of the Municipal Corporation.

Investigating Officer Ranveer Chauhan, IAS

It is alleged that Varun Chaudhary deceptively got a crucial land purchase approval file signed by then District Magistrate Kamrendra Singh. Before signing, Kamrendra Singh had reportedly asked whether the file was in proper order. Varun Chaudhary assured him, saying, “I’ve checked everything; you may sign it.” Trusting him, Kamrendra Singh signed the file without reading it  and has now also come under the investigation’s radar.
Earlier, Varun Chaudhary had reportedly raised a ruckus in front of DM Kamrendra Singh about his files being reviewed by OCs and PCS officers. Upon hearing this, Kamrendra Singh backed off. Since then, Varun Chaudhary allegedly never allowed any officer to verify his files — he used to prepare proposals himself, execute the entire process alone, and get officials to approve them without scrutiny.
As the saying goes, “A thief may get away for a hundred days, but the king’s day comes too.” And now, Varun Chaudhary seems to be completely trapped in his own game.
The Mayor of Haridwar Municipal Corporation has clearly stated that she is even willing to approach the High Court regarding Varun Chaudhary’s misdeeds. He is accused of defrauding the Municipal Corporation of ₹58 crore, not only causing a massive financial blow to the corporation but also committing serious fraud against the state government.

Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami: Corruption Will No Longer Be Tolerated.