PWD to investigate luxury items at former CM’s official residence

The Public Works Department (PWD) has been directed to investigate the discovery of expensive luxury items at the official residence of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The investigation follows orders from the Delhi's Lieutenant Governor, who acted upon a letter from Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta, calling for a high-level probe into the matter.

The controversy erupted after luxury items, including costly televisions, refrigerators, premium curtains, and opulent furnishings, were found at Kejriwal's official residence at 6 Flagstaff Road, a property vacated by the Chief Minister in 2024. On December 6, 2024, the Lieutenant Governor instructed the Vigilance Department to look into the issue, which then directed the Principal Secretary of the PWD to conduct the investigation and submit a report within five days.

In its directive, the Vigilance Department outlined four specific points for investigation - identifying the source of luxury items found at Kejriwal’s residence, determining if any individuals were unduly benefitted in exchange for providing these items, assessing the financial impact on public funds and whether any government protocols or rules were violated in the process and gathering any other relevant information that could assist in the investigation.

In his letter to the L-G, Gupta criticised Kejriwal, who often portrays himself as a man of the people. “This is the truth of Arvind Kejriwal, who claims to be honest and a ‘common man.’ A thorough investigation is needed to expose the corruption and reveal how the AAP government has exploited Delhi’s 2 crore residents over the past decade," Gupta said.