DGP issues clarification amidst Intra-Police row following Shimla SP’s explosive allegations
Shimla, May 25,
The Office of the Director General of Police (DGP), Himachal Pradesh, has issued a press note expressing “deep regret” over an “inappropriate reference to a constitutional authority” made by a junior officer. This clarification comes hot on the heels of a public press conference by Shimla Superintendent of Police (SP) Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, who leveled serious allegations against DGP Atul Verma and the Chief Secretary.
The DGP’s press note, dated May 25, 2025, emphasizes that the views expressed by the junior officer are “not reflective of the Himachal Pradesh Police as a whole” and that the office “sincerely regretted” any inconvenience caused. It also reaffirmed that “All officials, across ranks, remain steadfast in their devotion to duty and uphold the dignity of constitutional institutions”.
Backgrounder: The Shimla SP’s allegations
The “inappropriate reference” alluded to in the DGP’s note is widely understood to refer to a series of explosive accusations made by Shimla SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi in a press conference held on Saturday, May 24, 2025. SP Gandhi, who was leading the Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the suspicious death of HPPCL Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, publicly accused DGP Atul Verma of misconduct, abuse of power, and obstructing investigations in several cases.
Among Gandhi’s key allegations were that the DGP filed an “irresponsible” and “misleading” affidavit in the Himachal Pradesh High Court concerning the Vimal Negi death case, which contradicted the facts of the investigation. The SP also claimed that confidential CID documents were leaked by the DGP’s personal staff, and attempts were made to obstruct investigations, including an FIR registered in connection with the leak where DGP’s staff were reportedly involved. In a particularly serious accusation, Gandhi alleged that a member of the DGP’s personal staff had links with a drug peddling syndicate. Furthermore, Gandhi claimed that a conspiracy was being planned to frame officers with fabricated evidence, and that efforts were made to project a simple gas leak blast as a terrorist activity by claiming RDX was found, despite forensic reports indicating otherwise. The SP also accused the Chief Secretary of pressuring him to drop a probe related to the Ramakrishna Ashram land dispute.
These allegations surfaced just a day after the Himachal Pradesh High Court transferred the Vimal Negi death case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), citing concerns over the conduct of the initial probe. SP Gandhi has stated he is considering filing a Letters Patent Appeal in court and has also requested leave to “shield himself and his staff from further harassment”.
The unprecedented public spat within the state’s top police brass has drawn significant attention, with the Leader of Opposition, Jairam Thakur, criticizing the state government’s handling of the Vimal Negi case and flagging “indiscipline within the police force”. Meanwhile, BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma has served a legal notice to SP Gandhi, refuting his allegations and calling the press conference a “cover-up attempt”.
The DGP’s media communique appears to be an attempt to distance the police force as an institution from the individual actions and statements of the officer, emphasizing the department’s commitment to constitutional institutions amidst the ongoing controversy.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
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