Is Chief Minister Sukhu Aware of This Controversial Posting?
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Who is Putting the Himachal Government in Trouble?
Shimla:After a 40-year political struggle, Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu finally rose to become the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. However, recent controversial decisions within his administration are jeopardizing his hard-earned reputation.
One such move that has raised eyebrows across the state is the appointment of Nishant Sareen, an official mired in corruption scandals, to a key public health post. The question arises—Is Sukhu aware of this posting, or is someone within his own ranks undermining him?
Nishant Sareen, an Assistant Drug Controller, is not just any officer. He has been listed under ODI (Officials with Doubtful Integrity) and was caught in multiple corruption cases, including a 2019 fraud case
where his bail was recently rejected by the Supreme Court. Despite these damning allegations, Sareen has now been posted to oversee sensitive public dealings in Dharamshala, with control over hospitals, medical shops, and industries linked to public health.
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This controversial move, reportedly orchestrated by a close aide of the Chief Minister, is a direct hit to Sukhu’s image as a leader committed to transparent governance. Sareen’s checkered past, including extorting pharmaceutical companies, raises serious concerns about his new role and its potential impact on public health and safety.
The Newz Radar has obtained official transfer orders, signed by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, which confirm the placement of Sareen in Dharamshala’s Chief Medical Officer’s office. This position allows him direct control over drug regulation, an area that should be handled with utmost integrity.
His appointment replaces Ashish Raina, another Assistant Drug Controller, in a move that goes against standing High Court orders, which prohibit officers with the ODI tag from holding public-facing, sensitive positions.
Who is behind it ?
The decision to appoint Sareen to such a crucial role poses a serious threat to public trust. Drug safety and healthcare regulations are matters of public welfare, and placing them in the hands of an officer accused of bribery and extortion not only undermines the judiciary but also the people of Himachal Pradesh.
Many speculate that a senior Congress leader from Una district is behind Sareen’s controversial posting, a move that could backfire on Sukhu’s administration and tarnish its image. The public deserves to know whether the Chief Minister was aware of this appointment, or if internal forces are working against his government’s interests.
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Sareen’s Troubling Past: A History of Corruption
2019 Corruption Case:
The Himachal Pradesh Vigilance Department filed a case against Sareen in August 2019. Raids on his properties uncovered 144 bottles of foreign liquor, substantial cash, and property documents. Sareen was accused of extorting money from pharmaceutical companies, coercing them into paying bribes while enjoying lavish stays in five-star hotels at their expense.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings:
The government has granted prosecution sanction in this case, which is currently pending before the District and Sessions Court in Solan. Charges against Sareen are still being framed.
Fake IPS Officer Scandal:
Sareen was implicated in a fraud case alongside a fake IPS officer, Vinay Agarwal, leading to a CBI investigation. His plea for relief in this case was recently rejected by the Supreme Court.
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2005 Bribery Scandal:
Sareen was caught accepting a bribe in 2005 but escaped prosecution due to a lack of government sanction at the time.
Opinion
The appointment of Nishant Sareen to such a sensitive position in public health has raised serious ethical concerns. While questions swirl around who is responsible for this decision, one thing is clear—the public trust is at risk.
The Sukhu government must take immediate corrective action to uphold its commitment to transparency and the welfare of the people. Is Chief Minister Sukhu aware of this posting, or are there forces within his own administration working to undermine him?
