India, June 20 -- The Uttarakhand government on Thursday initiated major disciplinary action against senior officials in connection with the Haridwar Municipal Corporation land purchase case, with the Dhami administration describing it as a strong message against corruption and misuse of public funds.

Acting under its stated zero-tolerance policy on corruption, the government recommended dismissal from service of former Haridwar municipal commissioner Varun Chaudhary and proposed major punishment proceedings against former Haridwar district magistrate Karmendra Singh.

According to the government, Karmendra Singh was found guilty of "serious negligence" in discharging official duties and responsibilities during the land purchase process....