S Gopal Puri
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Atul Verma, who was sent on leave by the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government in the wake of the high-profile Vimal Negi *death case probe controversy, is set to retire on May 31.
As questions swirl around his abrupt exit and administrative sidelining, all eyes are on whether the top cop will receive a formal farewell before hanging up his uniform.
Though a farewell function is being quietly arranged, speculation continues over whether Verma will return to duty, even briefly, before retirement.
Sources in the police department confirmed that senior officers have been informed about the send-off ceremony, but the nature and tone of the event remain uncertain due to the political sensitivities involved.
Sent on leave amid investigation controversy
Verma, a senior IPS officer, was placed on leave earlier this month in connection with administrative lapses surrounding the Vimal Negi death case, which has since been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The case has sparked a political storm, with three top officers facing government action.
This is believed to be the first instance in Himachal Pradesh where a DGP is placed on leave just days before retirement under such controversial circumstances.
Leadership shuffled amid administrative crisis
Following Verma’s sudden exit, DGP (Vigilance) Ashok Tiwari was handed the additional charge of the state police chief. Alongside Verma, the state government also sent ACS (Home) Onkar Sharma and Shimla SP Sanjeev Gandhi on leave, both of whom were also linked to administrative handling of the Negi case fallout.
The government’s move to side-step three senior officials has ignited political debate, with opposition parties questioning the transparency of the process and alleging scapegoating.
