Agri Institute Demands ₹1.63 Crore from IAS Durga Shakti Nagpal Over ‘Unauthorised Stay’ in Bungalow
In a development that has drawn widespread attention, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has issued a notice seeking ₹1.63 crore from IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal, alleging “unauthorised occupation” of an official bungalow in Delhi. The notice covers the period from May 2022 to February 2025, a span of nearly three years during which Nagpal reportedly continued to reside in the property despite its official allotment being cancelled.
Nagpal, a 2010-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre , is currently serving as the District Magistrate of Lakhimpur Kheri. Known for her dedication and administrative acumen, she said that the alleged unauthorised stay was a result of extraordinary personal circumstances. According to her, extensions for her stay had been requested because her parents were seriously ill, making it difficult for her to relocate immediately.“Still, due to some lack of paperwork, they added compounding penal charges, which are notional and impractical. I have requested for its waiver, which is in process," she told The Indian Express.
The controversy traces back to March 2015, when Nagpal was allotted bungalow B-17 (Type VI-A) while serving as Officer on Special Duty in the Agriculture Ministry. She formally took possession of the property in April 2015, paying a monthly license fee along with water charges. When her deputation ended in May 2019, Nagpal returned to her cadre in Uttar Pradesh, having also served in the Commerce Ministry during this time. Even after her deputation ended, she continued to occupy the bungalow, citing personal reasons and the need to ensure continuity in her family responsibilities.
Nagpal, a 2010-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre , is currently serving as the District Magistrate of Lakhimpur Kheri. Known for her dedication and administrative acumen, she said that the alleged unauthorised stay was a result of extraordinary personal circumstances. According to her, extensions for her stay had been requested because her parents were seriously ill, making it difficult for her to relocate immediately.“Still, due to some lack of paperwork, they added compounding penal charges, which are notional and impractical. I have requested for its waiver, which is in process," she told The Indian Express.
The controversy traces back to March 2015, when Nagpal was allotted bungalow B-17 (Type VI-A) while serving as Officer on Special Duty in the Agriculture Ministry. She formally took possession of the property in April 2015, paying a monthly license fee along with water charges. When her deputation ended in May 2019, Nagpal returned to her cadre in Uttar Pradesh, having also served in the Commerce Ministry during this time. Even after her deputation ended, she continued to occupy the bungalow, citing personal reasons and the need to ensure continuity in her family responsibilities.
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