Sukhu Govt’s Shocking Decision: Corrupt Officer with SC-Rejected Bail Appointed for Public Dealing*
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Dharamshala: In an alarming move that raises serious concerns about the integrity of the current administration, the Himachal Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, has controversially appointed an official tainted by corruption charges to a key public role.
Nishant Sareen, an Assistant Drug Controller whose name is on the ODI (Officials with Doubtful Integrity) list and whose bail in a fraud case was recently rejected by the Supreme Court, has been handed a sensitive position overseeing public health services in Dharamshala.
This brazen appointment appears to have been maneuvered by one of the Chief Minister’s close aides, casting a dark shadow over the government’s commitment to transparency and public welfare. Sareen was previously caught red-handed in corruption cases, making his new role as the assistant drug controller responsible for crucial health services in the district not only questionable but a direct threat to public trust.
The Newz Radar has acquired the transfer orders, which state that the Governor of Himachal Pradesh is “pleased to order” the transfer of Nishant Sareen to the Chief Medical Officer’s office in Kangra, Dharamshala. This decision replaces Ashish Raina, another Assistant Drug Controller, with Sareen, in a role that has direct oversight of drug regulation and public health safety.
The shocking appointment goes against existing High Court orders that prohibit officials on the ODI list from being placed in sensitive and public-facing roles. The position of assistant drug controller is one that impacts the well-being of thousands, as it involves regulating medicines, licensing and public health safety. Assigning such a post to an individual tainted by corruption and with a compromised integrity record raises serious concerns about the motivations of the Sukhu government.
This appointment is a glaring violation of ethical governance. When those in power allow corrupt officials to handle critical public services, it sends a clear message that corruption is being nurtured rather than eradicated. Nishant Sareen’s appointment threatens public health and trust in governance, as it places crucial drug safety decisions in the hands of an individual who has been discredited by the nation’s highest court.
Also Read: https://thenewzradar.com/after-illegal-mosque-row-himachal-muslims-in-spotlight-over-fake-aadhaar-majority-share-same-date-of-birth/
It is high time that the government reconsiders such decisions that undermine the judiciary and public welfare. The public deserves accountability and transparency, not the continued empowerment of corrupt officials.
BOX: Corruption Allegations Against Nishant Sareen: A Troubling Past
2019 Corruption Case:
Himachal Pradesh Vigilance registered a case against Nishant Sareen in August 2019 after raids on his properties revealed 144 bottles of foreign liquor, substantial cash, and property papers. Sareen was accused of extorting money from pharmaceutical companies, forcing them to comply by demanding bribes, and living lavishly on their funds in five-star hotels.
Pending Prosecution:
Prosecution sanction has been granted by the government, and the case is currently being heard by the District and Sessions Judge, Solan. Charges are in the process of being framed.
Involvement in Fake IPS Officer Scandal:
Sareen was implicated in a case with fake IPS officer Vinay Agarwal, leading to a CBI investigation. His plea for relief was recently dismissed by the Supreme Court.
2005 Bribery Incident:
Sareen was caught red-handed accepting a bribe in 2005, but no action was taken due to the government’s refusal to grant prosecution sanction.
