In a shocking turn of events, Defence Estates Director Saurav Ray, renowned for his integrity, has been hastily transferred by the Director General of Defence Estates (DGDE) Office, citing ‘public interest.’ The transfer follows Ray’s courageous role as a whistleblower in revealing fraudulent sales of several Old Grant Bungalows (OGB) in Pune cantonment, with a market value running into thousands of crores.
Ray, a 1994 batch IDES officer, had recently received security from Pune Police due to perceived threats as he exposed vested elements involved in the fraudulent sale of central government-owned defence land. His ten-month tenure at Southern Command uncovered serious irregularities related to OGB sales.
The DGDE order, issued on Feb 9, stated that IDES officers of Senior Administrative Grade are being transferred in view of administrative exigencies and public interest, with the approval of the competent authority (Raksha Mantri). C Ravindra, an IDES officer of the 1993 batch, has been transferred to the Directorate of Defence Estates, Southern Command, Pune.
Ray has been posted as the Director of Defence Estates, Eastern Command, Kolkata, against an existing vacancy.
Ray’s distinguished career includes serving on deputation to India’s external intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), from 2003 to 2016, and as the Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI), Ministry of Home Affairs, from August 2020 to May 2023. His transfer, especially after his crucial role in exposing the OGB sale scam, raises questions about the transparency of such transactions.
This transfer comes on the heels of the sudden transfer of acting Defence Estates Officer (DEO) Pune Circle, Amitkumar Mane, who had taken stringent actions against powerful entities involved in grabbing defense bungalows. The transfer of key officials involved in exposing fraudulent activities raises concerns about the protection of national assets and the transparency of such transactions.
Key Events Timeline:
- January 1, 2024: IGR office orders sub-registrars in the state to probe unauthorized defense bungalow sale cases
- January 10: DEO Pune sealed a sprawling two-acre bungalow at Cross Road costing ₹100 crore
- January 13: DEO Pune sealed two bungalows, including an Old Grant Bungalow (OGB) Number 15 on Stavely Road and Bungalow Number 22 located on Napier Road in the Pune Cantonment limits totaling over ₹100 crore.
- January 19: DEO Pune sealed Red House, an iconic British-era heritage property costing ₹50 crore
- January 22: DEO Amit Kumar Baburao Mane transferred to Delhi
- January 23: Mane reinstated as additional DEO, Pune
- January 24: Defence Estate Director Saurav Ray granted security by Pune Police over reports of life threats
- February 9: Ray transferred in ‘public interest’ with approval of competent authority (Defence Minister)
Statistics:
- Bungalows in Pune cantonment area: 300
- Bungalows in Khadki cantonment area: 60
- Market value of OGBs in Khadki and Pune cantonments: ₹10,000 crore
- Currently, more than 20 OGB properties are under scrutiny for fraudulent sale.
