SHIMLA: In a bold and unprecedented move, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Himachal Pradesh government has taken strict disciplinary action against three senior officials — Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Onkar Chand Sharma, DGP Atul Verma and Shimla SP Sanjeev Gandhi — sending them on leave over allegations of indiscipline and mishandling of the high-profile Vimal Negi death case.
The decision, finalised during a high-level meeting at CM Sukhu’s official residence, has intensified political tensions in the state, with the BJP threatening mass protests.
The sudden removal of these trusted officers raises questions: Why did CM Sukhu take such drastic action against his own team, especially when the CBI has now registered an FIR in Negi’s death under sections related to abetment of suicide?
Sources said the Sukhu government was unhappy with Onkar Chand Sharma’s “unilateral” status report to the Himachal Pradesh High Court without the Advocate General’s review, while DGP Verma and SP Gandhi faced flak for alleged misconduct and internal disputes.
Was the Vimal Negi death case probe mishandled?
The death of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, now a CBI case, has been a major flashpoint. The DGP had submitted a sealed affidavit in the high court opposing the Shimla police’s investigation, while ACS Sharma’s report allegedly bypassed legal scrutiny. CM Sukhu reportedly viewed these actions as indiscipline, prompting the crackdown.
Political fallout: BJP steps up pressure
The BJP has seized the opportunity to corner the Sukhu government, accusing it of administrative failure. With DGP Verma set to retire on May 31, the timing of the action has raised eyebrows, with opposition leaders calling it a “panic move”.
Senior IPS officer Ashok Tiwari has been given additional charge as DGP, while Kamlesh Pant, Sandeep Vasant and Rakhil Kahloon will handle Sharma’s departments. The reshuffle indicates the CM’s attempt to assert control, but whether it stabilises the administration or deepens the crisis remains to be seen, said a BJP leader.
Sunil Chadha
