In a dramatic turn of events, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday (May 28) directed state DGP Atul Verma (IPS:1991:HP), Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Onkar Chand Sharma (IAS:1994:HP), and Shimla Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi (IPS:2012:HP) to proceed on leave, following an unprecedented public fallout within the state police hierarchy. The decision came after a three-hour high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, who expressed “strong displeasure” over the unfolding crisis.
The action was prompted by SP Sanjeev Gandhi’s stunning press conference on May 24, where he publicly accused DGP Verma, ACS Sharma, and Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena (IAS:1990:HP) of interfering in the investigation into the controversial death of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer-cum-GM of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL). Gandhi’s remarks, considered a serious breach of discipline, triggered severe embarrassment for the government.
A day after Gandhi’s press conference, DGP Verma had recommended the suspension of the Shimla SP. The state government, however, opted for a broader disciplinary response. All three officials—DGP, ACS (Home), and the SP—were relieved of their responsibilities and sent on leave. The government also revoked all portfolios held by ACS Sharma and reassigned his charges. Additionally, show-cause notices have been issued to both the DGP and SP Gandhi for indiscipline.
DGP Atul Verma’s departure is especially significant as it comes just days ahead of his scheduled retirement on May 31.
The trigger behind this administrative turmoil is the handling of the Vimal Negi death case, which had become a political flashpoint. While the state initially constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under SP Gandhi, pressure from the Opposition and Negi’s family led to the High Court transferring the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on May 23.
Tensions escalated further when DGP Verma submitted an affidavit to the Himachal Pradesh High Court raising concerns over the SIT’s impartiality, while SP Gandhi simultaneously filed a status report asserting that the probe was progressing “unbiasedly.” The ACS Home also came under fire for bypassing the Advocate General’s office while filing a status report in court.
The CM’s swift action appears aimed at damage control amid growing public scrutiny and internal discord.
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