The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has suspended a junior engineer and initiated disciplinary proceedings over the demolition of a proposed cow shelter in Kanjhawala, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Monday. The action followed allegations that the shelter in Nijampur village was demolished on the engineer’s instructions after the activist associated with the project reported threats from local men.
Gupta said the junior engineer was suspended in connection with the case involving animal welfare activist Jagriti Mishra. She said disciplinary proceedings had also been initiated against the official. “Public office carries a responsibility to serve citizens with sensitivity and integrity. Our govt is committed to examining every complaint fairly and following due process. Any misconduct established through the proceedings will invite strict action,” the chief minister said.
The proposed gaushala was located in Nijampur village in northwest Delhi. According to the report, Mishra met Gupta a day before the suspension and described the damage caused to the upcoming facility. The chief minister assured her of financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the damage.
Mishra also told Gupta that some local men claiming to be associated with the local councillor had threatened her against constructing the cow shelter on the land. She alleged that the structure was subsequently demolished on the instructions of an MCD junior engineer. The allegations remain part of the proceedings initiated by the civic body.
Gupta directed the district magistrate and the deputy commissioner of police to provide assistance to Mishra and ensure her protection from those involved in the alleged threats. The directions place the matter across both municipal administration and district-level law-and-order responsibilities, with the civic body examining the official conduct and the district administration addressing the reported safety concerns.
The case highlights the role of municipal officials in approving, supervising or acting against construction and civic facilities on local land. It also raises questions about the safeguards available to residents and community groups when disputes over urban land or local projects involve public authorities. The available report does not specify the ownership status of the Nijampur site, the approvals obtained for the proposed shelter, the extent of demolition or the date on which the structure was brought down.
The MCD’s disciplinary proceedings will determine whether the junior engineer acted improperly and whether further action is warranted. The chief minister has said that any misconduct established through due process will invite strict action. Mishra’s protection and the promised financial assistance are the immediate measures announced by the Delhi government.
