The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has suspended a junior engineer over the demolition of an animal shelter run by animal welfare activist Jagriti Mishra, a day after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta met her and assured her that action would be taken against those responsible. Vikas Kumar Gupta, a Junior Engineer (Building) in the MCD’s Outer North Zone, has been suspended with immediate effect, according to an official order. Disciplinary proceedings against him are also being contemplated as the civic body responds to the controversy surrounding the demolition.
The suspension followed a meeting between Gupta and Mishra, during which the Chief Minister ordered an inquiry into the incident and assured the activist of financial assistance amounting to Rs 5 lakh. The meeting came amid concerns over the demolition of the shelter and allegations raised by Mishra. The Chief Minister’s intervention was followed by action against the MCD engineer, signalling an administrative response to the incident.
Mishra, who works in animal welfare, had raised allegations of bribery in connection with the events surrounding the shelter. The controversy intensified after the structure was demolished, prompting questions about the circumstances in which the civic action was carried out. The allegations and the subsequent demolition brought the shelter into focus, leading to demands for an inquiry and accountability from the authorities involved.
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The MCD’s order named Vikas Kumar Gupta, who was serving as a junior engineer in the Building Department of the corporation’s Outer North Zone. His suspension took effect immediately, while disciplinary proceedings are being considered. The action places the engineer under administrative scrutiny as the authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the demolition and the allegations associated with the incident.
The Chief Minister’s assurance of an inquiry and financial assistance came a day before the suspension was announced. The promised Rs 5 lakh is intended as financial support for Mishra following the incident, while the inquiry is expected to examine the events surrounding the demolition. The suspension represents a separate administrative step against the engineer named in the official order.
The case has brought attention to the treatment of animal welfare facilities and the role of civic authorities in demolition-related actions. With the MCD suspending the junior engineer and the Chief Minister ordering an inquiry, the immediate response has focused on administrative accountability and assistance for Mishra.
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