New Delhi: Sanjeev Khirwar, a 1994-batch IAS officer previously shunted out of Delhi over a high-profile dog-walking row, has been appointed as the new municipal commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
The Union Home Ministry notified the decision on January 21, 2026, replacing Ashwani Kumar, a 1992-batch officer transferred to Jammu and Kashmir.
The controversy erupted in 2022 when Khirwar, then Delhi’s principal secretary (revenue), and his wife Rinku Dugga, also a 1994-batch IAS officer, were accused of clearing Thyagraj Stadium early for their dog’s evening walk. Athletes and coaches training there claimed they were forced to end their sessions by 7 pm instead of the usual 8:30 pm, disrupting their training schedules ahead of competitions.
Khirwar denied the charges, call
ing them “absolutely incorrect,” while stadium administrator Ajit Chaudhary insisted official hours ended at 7 pm. Viral photos and videos led to public outrage on social media, prompting
the government to take swift action: Khirwar was transferred to Ladakh and Dugga to Arunachal Pradesh.
Belonging to the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre, Khirwar’s return to Delhi after over three years marks a significant posting. The MCD Commissioner role oversees civic issues like roads, waste management, and stray animals—ironically relevant given his past dog walking-related controversy. Sources indicate the appointment aligns with administrative reshuffles under Delhi lieutenant governor VK Saxena’s office.
His predecessor Kumar’s exit clears the way for Khirwar to prioritise infrastructure upgrades amid Delhi’s ongoing urban challenges.
Meanwhile, social media erupted anew, with users questioning the decision to reinstate Khirwar in a high-profile role. Delhi CM’s office, which acted decisively following the dog-walking controversy, has been silent so far. Critics argue it reflects cadre favoritism, while supporters highlight Khirwar’s administrative experience.