IAS Officer Linked to Thyagraj Stadium Dog-Walking Row Appointed New MCD Commissioner

An IAS officer who sparked a nationwide debate on bureaucratic privilege after allegedly clearing out a Delhi stadium to walk his dog has returned to the national capital in a key administrative role. Sanjeev Khirwar has been appointed as the new Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

The Union Home Ministry announced Khirwar’s appointment on Wednesday, and the decision was formally communicated to V K Saxena, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. Khirwar succeeds Ashwani Kumar, who has been transferred to Jammu and Kashmir.

Khirwar, a 1994-batch IAS officer from the AGMUT cadre (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories), takes charge at a critical juncture. The MCD is preparing to present its budget before the Municipal Corporation House later this month while grappling with mounting financial stress, sanitation challenges, infrastructure upgrades, and administrative restructuring. As commissioner, Khirwar will oversee the corporation’s daily operations, inter-departmental coordination, and implementation of civic policies across the capital.

The 2022 Thyagraj Stadium Controversy

Sanjeev Khirwar’s name became widely known in 2022 after allegations surfaced that athletes were asked to vacate Thyagraj Stadium earlier than usual so that he and his wife could walk their dog. At the time, Khirwar was serving as Delhi’s Principal Secretary (Revenue). Coaches and athletes training at the stadium claimed they were told to wind up sessions before the regular 7 pm closing time, triggering public outrage over alleged misuse of authority.

The controversy sparked a larger conversation around entitlement among senior bureaucrats and access to public infrastructure. In response, the then Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government under Arvind Kejriwal directed that all stadiums in the capital remain open for players until 10 pm to ensure uninterrupted training.

However, the then stadium administrator, Anil Chaudhary, denied that athletes were forced to leave early, stating that the facility followed its standard closing time.

Aftermath and Transfers

Following the public backlash, Khirwar was transferred out of Delhi and posted to Ladakh. The episode also had serious consequences for his wife, Rinku Dugga, who was reportedly compulsorily retired under Fundamental Rule 56(j) and Rule 48 of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972, after a review of her service record.

Back to Delhi in a Key Role

Khirwar’s return as MCD Commissioner has once again drawn public attention, given the lingering memory of the stadium episode. Political observers note that his performance in the coming months will be closely scrutinised, especially as the civic body faces public expectations on transparency, financial discipline, and service delivery.

With the civic polls and governance challenges in focus, Khirwar’s tenure is likely to be seen as a test of administrative credibility and public accountability in Delhi’s municipal governance.