TNR News Network
Shimla: The recent collapse of a five-storey building in the Bhattakufer area of Shimla has sparked major controversy, with the police registering not just a case against a Himachal minister, but also filing FIRs against National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials and employees of the contractor company.
The incident, linked to the ongoing construction of the Kaithlighat-Dhalli four-lane highway, has led to three separate FIRs, highlighting growing concerns over negligence in the execution of infrastructure projects in the hill state.
Owner blames four-lane project for building collapse
Ranjana Verma, the woman who owned the collapsed house in Mathu Colony, has filed a complaint with the Dhalli police, naming officials from the NHAI and the contractor firm Gawar Construction. She alleged that uncontrolled excavation work for the four-lane highway directly below her house led to severe cracks and ultimately caused the structure to collapse on the morning of June 30.
Verma, a widow living with her two daughters, claimed that her entire life’s savings were invested in the house, which now lied in ruins. The FIR mentions damages to both property and personal belongings, citing gross negligence on the part of NHAI and Gawar company officials.
Three cases registered, including against minister
A total of three cases have been registered in connection with the incident. While one case is against Public Works Minister Anirudh Singh, who visited the site and allegedly had an altercation with NHAI officials, two separate FIRs name NHAI Project Manager Achal Jindal and a company official, Yogesh.
One of the FIRs was filed by eight local residents who claimed they were threatened and prevented from reaching out to the minister with their complaints. Another complaint came from panchayat ward member Nihal Thakur, who accused the highway officials of abusive behaviour and obstruction.
The police have invoked multiple sections, including IPC 126 (wrongful restraint), 352 (assault), 3(5) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and IPC 125.
Minister under fire, but gets social media support
Minister Anirudh Singh, who is at the centre of the controversy after allegedly confronting NHAI officials on site, now faces legal action. However, he has received a wave of public support on social media, where many users have lauded him for standing with affected locals.
Meanwhile, the incident has drawn attention at the national level, with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari reportedly speaking to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu over the phone regarding the matter.
The NHAI, for its part, has maintained that the collapsed house was over 50 metres away from the construction zone, suggesting that the incident was not caused by their activities. However, with multiple FIRs now registered and public anger mounting, the issue continues to escalate.
