Himachal Police register FIR against former Kullu SDM on sexual exploitation charges
Kullu/Shimla, Oct 1,
Himachal Pradesh Police have lodged a criminal case against former Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Kullu, Vikas Shukla, after a woman accused him of prolonged sexual exploitation, assault, and intimidation over the past three years.
The FIR, filed at the Women’s Police Station in Kullu, invokes multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code – including 376 (rape), 376(D) (gang rape), 511 (attempt), 312 (causing miscarriage), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 342 (wrongful confinement), 382 (theft after preparation of hurt), 506 (criminal intimidation), 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence), and 120-B (criminal conspiracy). Provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have also been applied.
According to the 42-year-old complainant, a government employee, Shukla first summoned her to his official residence in 2021 on the pretext of discussing a property dispute. She alleged that he forced her into a sexual relationship under the false assurance of marriage. In her statement, she claimed that the abuse continued for nearly three years, during which she was subjected to repeated physical and mental harassment, coerced into undergoing two abortions, and threatened with dire consequences if she resisted.
The woman further alleged that on September 24, 2024, Shukla, along with his associates – identified as Pankaj Goswami and an advocate named Rajiv – confined her at his residence. She accused the trio of assaulting her, seizing her phone, and attempting to gang-rape her. She also claimed that the incident was filmed and later used to intimidate her.
In her complaint, she said that despite approaching the police earlier, her pleas were ignored and she was allegedly pressured to compromise. She also claimed she was denied medical examination and threatened with false cases. The FIR was finally registered after she escalated the matter to senior authorities, including the Chief Minister’s office.
Shukla has refuted the charges, describing them as “false and fabricated.” Meanwhile, women’s rights groups and civil society organisations have demanded that the Himachal Pradesh High Court oversee the probe to ensure a fair and transparent investigation.
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.