‘Irregularities’ in renovation of Kejriwal’s former residence: CPWD submits report to Vigilance

In a fresh trouble for Arvind Kejriwal, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has submitted a report to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) into the alleged irregularities in the renovation of his official residence at 6 Flagstaff Bungalow, which the BJP dubbed “Sheesh Mahal”, as per sources.

Moreover, the second complaint registered by Speaker Vijender Gupta, who was then Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Delhi Assembly on October 21, 2024, has also been taken up by the probe agency.

“Both complaints have also been taken up formally by the CVC. The CVO of the CPWD has already submitted his report. The matter is now under active scrutiny of the apex anti-corruption body, which is expected to ascertain accountability for the large-scale irregularities and misuse of public money, and to determine the future course of action,” an official said.

Notably, two complaints were lodged by Vijender Gupta, to the CVC regarding large-scale irregularities in the construction and renovation of the then Chief Minister’s official residence at 6, Flag Staff Road, Civil Lines, Delhi.

Both complaints were formally registered by the Commission, and detailed investigations conducted by the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of the CPWD, the source added.

In the first complaint, dated October 14, 2024, Gupta highlighted the unauthorised demolition of eight Type-V government flats at Rajpur Road, the amalgamation of two government bungalows (8A and 8B, Flag Staff Road) into the Chief Minister’s residence, and the creation of a complex covering nearly eight acres without the mandatory statutory approvals.

He further pointed out that tenders were floated under the description of “additions and alterations”, whereas, in reality, an entirely new structure was constructed in violation of the building norms.

The same complaint also flagged serious environmental breaches. It alleged that several trees were felled without obtaining the requisite clearance and that the mandatory compensatory afforestation of nearly 19,700 trees was not undertaken.

The construction was also said to have exceeded the permissible ground coverage and Floor Area Ratio (FAR) limits, reflecting grave violations of the environmental and building regulations.

The second complaint, dated October 21, 2024 highlighted the alleged misuse of public funds in the renovation of the same official residence.

In his submission titled “Misuse of public money to the tune of Rs 15 crores on sanitary installations in bathrooms and Rs 4–Rs 5.6 crore on window curtains in rooms of the then Chief Minister’s official residence”, Gupta alleged that approximately Rs 15 crore were spent solely on sanitary fittings in bathrooms and an additional Rs 4–Rs 5.6 crore on window curtains.

Moreover, supporting documents prepared by the CPWD were also enclosed with the complaint to substantiate these claims.

What is Sheesh Mahal row

The 6 Flag Staff Road bungalow, labelled as “Sheesh Mahal” by the BJP for the alleged corruption was occupied by Arvind Kejriwal as the Chief Minister of Delhi from 2015 till the first week of October last year. This was extensively used by the BJP in the party’s 2025 Delhi Assembly campaign.