Himachal DGP seeks Shimla SP Gandhi’s suspension over “Misconduct, Insubordination”

Shimla, May 25,

Himachal Pradesh Director General of Police Atul Verma has formally recommended the immediate suspension of Shimla SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi to the state government, citing “misconduct and insubordination” in response to explosive allegations made by Gandhi. In a letter to the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), DGP Verma accused SP Gandhi of making “unsubstantiated and inappropriate allegations against senior government functionaries and constitutional authorities,” including himself, a former DGP, and the state’s Chief Secretary. The letter, also shared with the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister’s office, was accompanied by video footage of the SP’s controversial media interaction on Saturday.
The recommendation follows SP Gandhi’s public accusations a day earlier, where he alleged obstruction of the probe into the mysterious death of Vimal Negi by the DGP’s office. Gandhi also claimed links between a member of the DGP’s personal staff and the Sanjay Bhuria drug peddling gang, asserted that confidential documents had been leaked from the CID office, and questioned the intent behind the DGP’s status report submitted in court. The DGP’s letter stated that Gandhi had violated Rule 3(1) and Rule 7 of the All India Services Conduct Rules, 1968, which mandate absolute integrity and prohibit conduct unbecoming of a public servant, and also cited Section 87 of the Himachal Pradesh Police Act, 2007, relating to misconduct. The DGP urged that SP Gandhi be placed under immediate suspension and directed to report to the police headquarters, pending a departmental inquiry and the outcome of the CBI probe now underway in the Vimal Negi case. Negi, a Chief Engineer with the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), went missing on March 10 and was found dead in Bilaspur district on March 18. The High Court, while transferring the probe to the CBI on Friday, had noted serious procedural concerns raised by the DGP regarding the investigation’s integrity.

This escalating episode has triggered significant turmoil within the police ranks, drawing public attention to deepening divisions and raising concerns over institutional credibility amidst the prevailing political climate in the state.

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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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Himachalscape bureau

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.