Former Chief Secretary files FIR against Advocate Vinay Sharma
Shimla, June 5
Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta has lodged an FIR against advocate Vinay Sharma, accusing him of making false, defamatory and malicious allegations regarding a land transaction undertaken by Gupta before he assumed office as the state’s Chief Secretary.
The FIR has been registered on May 30 at Shimla East Police Station under Sections 248, 351 and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to the complaint, Sharma had earlier submitted a representation seeking registration of a criminal case against Gupta, alleging concealment of property, benami transactions, misuse of office, undervaluation of land and acquisition of property through unlawful means.
Gupta, however, has termed the allegations “factually incorrect, legally untenable and unsupported by documentary evidence.” He claimed that all mandatory disclosures regarding the land purchase were made to the competent government authorities well before and after the transaction in accordance with the All India Services (Conduct) Rules.
He further stated that the source of funds used for the purchase was lawful and duly disclosed to the government.
The complaint also rejects allegations of undervaluation, stating that the property was purchased at a rate significantly higher than the collector rate.
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Gupta alleged that Sharma selectively omitted material facts and official records while making accusations and circulated misleading information to tarnish his reputation.
According to the FIR, Gupta has accused Sharma of deliberately attempting to create a false impression of corruption and abuse of office, thereby damaging his public image and standing as a senior IAS officer. He has sought criminal action, alleging that the accusations amount to defamation and misuse of legal process.
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Police have initiated an investigation into the matter. The development assumes significance as it marks another legal proceeding involving allegations connected to the land transaction controversy that has recently attracted public attention in Himachal Pradesh.
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