New Delhi: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has suspended a junior engineer following allegations that the boundary walls of an under-construction animal shelter run by animal welfare activist Jagriti Mishra were demolished without prior notice.
The action came a day after Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta met Mishra on October 25, ordered an inquiry into the conduct of the official concerned and assured ₹5 lakh in financial assistance from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
The shelter is being developed in Nizampur village in Delhi’s Outer North area for injured, abandoned and vulnerable animals. Mishra, who runs the Street Worldz Trust, alleged that the demolition caused financial losses and followed attempts by individuals to pressure her over the construction.
On October 26, the MCD suspended Vikas Kumar Gupta, Junior Engineer (Building), Outer North Zone, with immediate effect. Disciplinary proceedings against him are being contemplated, according to the suspension order.
Rekha Gupta Assures ₹5 Lakh Assistance, Orders Probe
Following the controversy, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta met Mishra and assured her of government support for the animal shelter. She directed the authorities to investigate the incident and assist the activist in establishing the facility.
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The Chief Minister also instructed the police to register a case against those found responsible and asked the District Magistrate to help Mishra with the shelter’s establishment.
In a post on social media, Gupta wrote:
“An inquiry into the Junior Engineer’s conduct has been ordered, and police have been directed to register a case against those responsible. District Magistrate has been instructed to assist her in setting up the animal shelter. Financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh from the CM Relief Fund has also been assured.”
Reaffirming her government’s position, she added:
“Our government will not tolerate harassment of citizens or misuse of authority. Those found guilty will face strict action under the law.”
The financial assistance is intended to support Mishra following the reported damage to the under-construction facility. The inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the demolition and establish responsibility.
MCD Suspends Junior Engineer Vikas Kumar Gupta
The MCD’s Outer North Zone suspended Vikas Kumar Gupta on October 26, a day after the Chief Minister’s intervention.
The order placed him under suspension with immediate effect while disciplinary proceedings are contemplated. It also specifies conditions applicable during the suspension period.
Jagriti Mishra Alleges Demolition Without Prior Notice
Mishra shared videos on Instagram showing her confrontation with an official over the alleged demolition of the shelter’s boundary walls. The videos circulated widely on social media, drawing public attention to the matter.
She alleged that people arrived at the site with a bulldozer or JCB machine and demolished parts of the structure without prior notice. She also claimed that individuals linked to local political circles had demanded money in connection with the construction.
According to reports, Mishra said she had invested approximately ₹70 lakh from personal funds and donations in developing the shelter and related facilities for animals.
AAP MLA Jarnail Singh Denies Party’s Involvement
Before the Chief Minister’s meeting with Mishra, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Jarnail Singh visited the site and denied that the party had any connection with the person allegedly involved in demanding money.
In a post on X, Singh said:
“In the case of Jagriti, who serves homeless animals through Street World Trust, the name of an Aam Aadmi Party councillor was unnecessarily added. Today, I went to the spot and met Sister Jagriti and clarified to her that the Aam Aadmi Party has no connection to this matter. After the conversation, Jagriti Ji expressed regret over her statement, and the confusion surrounding the entire matter was cleared up.”
Singh’s statement represents the party’s position on the allegations. The question of who was responsible for the demolition and whether any money was demanded remains separate from the party’s denial and is subject to investigation.
Administration Asked to Help Establish the Animal Shelter
Apart from announcing financial assistance, the Chief Minister directed the District Magistrate to extend the necessary support to Mishra in setting up the shelter.
The case has drawn attention to the difficulties faced by animal welfare organisations developing facilities for injured and abandoned animals, as well as the importance of transparent administrative procedures when construction-related disputes arise.
The next steps will include examining the junior engineer’s conduct, investigating the allegations surrounding the demolition and determining whether further action is warranted. The MCD’s suspension order and the Chief Minister’s directions mark the initial administrative response; responsibility for the incident will depend on the findings of the inquiry and police proceedings.
