Chandigarh: Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kulatar Singh Sandhwan has sought a custody report from the Chandigarh Administration regarding heritage furniture from the MLA Hostel that was reportedly auctioned in the United States for ₹59 lakh.
Taking serious note of the matter, the Speaker convened a high-level meeting with officials of the Chandigarh Administration to determine who was responsible for the custody of the heritage furniture. The move aims to establish accountability for the disappearance and subsequent auction of the historic items.
According to officials, the heritage furniture forms part of the shared architectural and cultural legacy of Punjab, Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Such items are held by various government authorities, while records of their inventory are maintained by the Chandigarh Administration.
Sandhwan said a detailed report had been sought to identify the custodian of the furniture and to ascertain how the items left official possession. He stressed that responsibility would be fixed and strict action would be taken against those found guilty.
The Speaker also underscored the importance of preserving Chandigarh’s unique architectural and historical heritage, stating that any deliberate negligence leading to the loss of such assets would not be tolerated.
Authorities are expected to submit the custody report as part of the ongoing inquiry into the matter.
