New Delhi, June 19 -- The Uttarakhand government has initiated disciplinary proceedings against senior officials in connection with the Haridwar Municipal Corporation land purchase case, escalating its action in one of the state's most high-profile administrative controversies.

The government recommended dismissal from service of former Haridwar municipal commissioner Varun Chaudhary and proposed major penalty proceedings against former Haridwar district magistrate Karmendra Singh.

According to the state government, Karmendra Singh was found guilty of serious negligence in the discharge of official duties related to the land purchase matter.

The recommendations are being forwarded to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) for ...