Nearly three years after being transferred out of the capital following a public controversy, Sanjeev Khirwar, a 1994-batch IAS officer, has returned to Delhi in a key administrative role. Khirwar has been appointed the new Municipal Commissioner of Delhi as part of a major reshuffle of AGMUT-cadre officers.
Khirwar replaces Ashwani Kumar, who has been transferred to Jammu and Kashmir.
The 2022 Thyagraj Stadium Row
The officer was at the centre of a controversy in 2022 while serving as Delhi’s Principal Secretary (Revenue). Athletes and coaches training at Thyagraj Stadium alleged that they were asked to end their practice sessions early so that Khirwar and his wife, Rinku Dugga, could walk their dog on the athletic track.
Sportspersons claimed they were forced to leave the stadium by 7 pm, despite regular training continuing until around 8.30 pm. They said the sudden curtailment disrupted their training schedules and preparations.
Khirwar and the then stadium administrator denied the allegations, maintaining that official training hours ended at 7 pm. However, a video showing Khirwar and his wife walking a dog on the stadium’s track went viral on social media, triggering widespread public criticism and outrage from the sporting community.
Transfers and Policy Response
Following the backlash, the Ministry of Home Affairs transferred Khirwar to Ladakh as Principal Secretary. His wife, also a 1994-batch IAS officer, was moved to Arunachal Pradesh.
In response to the controversy, the Delhi Chief Minister ordered that all Delhi government-run sports facilities remain open for athletes until 10 pm, a move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted access to training infrastructure.
Return to the Capital
Earlier this month, Khirwar was transferred back to Delhi during a large-scale reshuffle of AGMUT-cadre officers. His appointment as Municipal Commissioner marks a significant return to the capital’s administrative setup, placing him in charge of one of the city’s most crucial civic bodies.
The appointment has once again drawn attention to the 2022 episode, even as the administration moves forward under new leadership at the municipal level.
