SIT submits closure report in Palampur businessman case, finds no proof for threat allegations

Dharamshala: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to probe allegations made by Palampur-based businessman Nishant Sharma has submitted its final report to the Dharamshala court.
The SIT concluded that the allegations made by Sharma were not substantiated by concrete evidence.
Sharma had filed a complaint alleging that he and his family were threatened on October 27, 2023, and that there was an attempt to implicate him in a false case due to business-related disputes.
The SIT, headed by Additional Superintendent of Police Ashish Sharma, investigated the matter and stated in its report that it found no solid evidence to support the claims.
The investigation was initiated on the orders of the then Director General of Police, and the SIT was tasked with looking into allegations of threats, financial irregularities and attempts to malign reputations of other businessmen and senior officials.
The SIT’s report mentions that an audit of Sharma’s business activities revealed financial discrepancies and signs of fund mismanagement. It further noted that some of Sharma’s claims were inconsistent and lacked corroboration.
Several technical aspects were also examined, including forensic analysis, call data records and CCTV footage, none of which, according to the report, supported the allegations.
The report also stated that efforts were made to verify the presence of any eyewitnesses or material evidence related to the alleged threats but found none. It also examined statements made by other parties named in the complaint and gave them a clean chit, citing lack of incriminating evidence.
While the SIT has recommended closure of the matter due to lack of proof, the final decision now rests with the court.
Sharma, on his part, had held press conferences regarding the matter, claiming a larger conspiracy against him.

S Gopal Puri