Uttarakhand HC asks CBI, secy to reply on alleged misuse of district funds

Dehradun: Uttarakhand high court has directed the CBI and the state govt to file their replies to a public interest litigation regarding the alleged misuse of funds meant for Nainital's development between 2021 and 2023. A bench of Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Alok Mahra also asked a senior official to respond after claims surfaced that public funds were diverted for personal and office use.
Hearing a petition filed by Sanjay Gupta, a resident of Noida, who alleged that funds allocated for the district's development were used for personal benefit, the court issued a notice to Dheeraj Gabryal, former Nainital district magistrate and current secretary, minority welfare department, directing him to submit a reply.
The petition cited an audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) that reportedly confirmed the misuse of govt funds. Gupta said that despite several complaints, no action was taken by the govt based on the CAG report. The petitioner requested the court to order a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities. The high court has fixed the next hearing for June 16.
The petition also alleged that the district budget was misappropriated, the district mining fund was used for personal advantage, and land rates were manipulated. It claimed that SC/ST land was sold after its status was changed, and that arms licences were issued in violation of regulations. The complaint added that expenses were made under the pretext of beautifying Nainital city.