The Uttarakhand government has suspended a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer serving as Director, Home Guards, after a probe revealed serious financial irregularities in the procurement of uniforms for the Home Guards department. The action was taken on the orders of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, triggering widespread administrative churn within the department.
The suspension follows the exposure of an alleged ₹2-crore uniform purchase scam in which uniforms worth approximately ₹1 crore were procured at nearly three times the prevailing market rate during the financial year 2024–25. Despite the irregularities, a fresh tender was floated at the same inflated rates for 2025–26, raising further red flags.
According to official sources, the irregularities came to light after a newly appointed Director General of Home Guards reviewed the procurement process and identified glaring violations of financial norms and tender procedures. A detailed report was subsequently submitted to the state government, flagging lack of transparency, rate manipulation and suspected collusion between departmental officials and private contractors.
Acting swiftly on the findings, the Chief Minister ordered the immediate suspension of the Director, Home Guards, and directed the constitution of a joint investigation committee to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the matter. The tender process has been cancelled with immediate effect.
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Recovery, criminal case recommended
In its report to the government, the Home Guards leadership recommended registration of a criminal case against those responsible, recovery of the excess amount paid to contractors, and initiation of departmental proceedings, including dismissal from service if charges are proven.
Sources said the report specifically highlighted that the procurement norms under state financial rules were bypassed, with no adequate rate comparison or justification for the inflated pricing. The scale of the overpricing—nearly ₹2 crore above the estimated value—has intensified scrutiny from both administrative and vigilance authorities.
The joint investigation committee has been tasked with examining the entire procurement cycle, including tender formulation, bid evaluation, vendor selection, pricing approval and payment processes. Officials said the committee will also identify the role of external agencies and contractors involved in the deal.
Government reiterates zero-tolerance stance
Issuing a statement, the Chief Minister said the state government follows a strict zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and will not hesitate to take action against any officer or employee found guilty of financial misconduct.
“No level of corruption will be tolerated. Whether the officer is senior or junior, strict action will be ensured if wrongdoing is established,” the Chief Minister said, adding that accountability and transparency remain key pillars of governance.
Senior officials indicated that further administrative action could follow depending on the findings of the joint probe. Vigilance agencies are also expected to examine whether similar procurement irregularities occurred in previous years.
Administrative ripples
The suspension has sent ripples through the state bureaucracy, particularly within departments handling large-scale procurement. Officials said the case is likely to prompt a broader review of procurement practices across uniformed services to prevent recurrence of such irregularities.
Meanwhile, the Home Guards department has initiated interim arrangements to ensure that operational requirements are not affected following the cancellation of the tender. Fresh procurement, officials said, will be undertaken strictly as per financial rules after completion of the inquiry.
The joint investigation committee is expected to submit its preliminary findings to the government within the stipulated timeframe, following which further legal and disciplinary action will be decided.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
