Shimla, July 2,
Himachal Pradesh Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh on Tuesday dismissed the assault allegations filed against him by a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official, calling the FIR “baseless, fabricated, and politically motivated.”
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In his first detailed reaction since the controversy broke, Singh accused the NHAI of trying to shift public attention away from its alleged negligence in National highway construction projects, which he claims have caused widespread damage to homes, orchards, and agricultural land in the hill state.
“The FIR is nothing but an attempt to cover up the real issue,” Singh told reporters. “The truth is that NHAI and its contractors are cutting hills in an unscientific manner. This is leading to the collapse of homes and destruction of livelihoods. Compensation alone is not enough for people who have lost everything.” The minister even alleged wide spread corruption in the road construction projects.
Singh alleged that thousands of complaints have been submitted to district administrations across Himachal Pradesh over the manner in which NHAI projects are being executed. He said the situation on the ground reflects “gross carelessness” in construction standards, especially in fragile hill zones vulnerable to landslides and erosion.
Calling the FIR a “diversion tactic,” Singh also questioned the NHAI’s version of events, stating that the authority had initially denied any assault, only to change its stand later. “This contradiction exposes the attempt to fabricate a narrative,” he said.
The minister announced that he would soon meet Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to seek policy intervention at the national level. “There is a need for stringent guidelines on how infrastructure work is carried out in Himalayan regions. Otherwise, the damage will only grow,” he warned.
Responding to criticism from former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, Singh said, “Instead of siding with a negligent agency, he should stand with the people. Why isn’t he asking the Centre to help the families who have lost their homes?”
The FIR filed by NHAI Project Manager Achal Jindal alleges that Singh verbally abused and physically assaulted him during a recent disaster management visit. The matter is now under police investigation, but the minister’s counter-allegations have added a new dimension to the unfolding controversy — shifting the conversation from the FIR to deeper questions about infrastructure accountability in Himachal Pradesh.
