Whistleblower in Chief Secretary extension matter seeks police cover, cites threats
Shimla, Sept 16,
As the Himachal Pradesh High Court examines petitions questioning the extension and vigilance clearance of Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, the petitioner in the case, Capt Atul Sharma (retd), has approached the police for protection. Sharma referred to himself as a ‘whistleblower’ and said he feared for his personal safety due to the sensitivity of the matter.
In a letter to the Director General of Police, Himachal Pradesh, Capt Sharma described, “ This is an SOS call for protection from forces that operate in the shadows, forces intent on silencing me and burying the truth.” Adding,” My life, and potentially the lives of my family, are at risk due to my role as the primary whistleblower in the sensational and high-stakes case of Atul Sharma vs Union of India & Ors. ‘, a case that has sent shockwaves through the corridors of power and exposed a scandalous trail of corruption, “ he claimed
He added that, “I have become a target merely because I have exposed the irregularities in the extension and vigilance clearance granted to the Chief Secretary. I fear for my personal safety and request the police to provide me necessary protection,” his letter states.
The retired officer has filed petition questioning the State’s recommendation to the Centre for granting Saxena a one-year extension. He had even written to the State government about a subsequent vigilance clearance that paved the way for his (Prabodh Saxena) candidature to the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC).
The High Court, while summoning records earlier, had already questioned the State’s assertion that Saxena’s continuation was in “public interest.”
Linking his plea for security with his ongoing litigation, Capt Sharma wrote, “It is evident that vested interests want to silence me. My role is that of a whistleblower, acting purely in the interest of accountability and transparency.”
So far the State police department has not formally commented on this matter but the High Court is expected to continue hearings the petition in the coming days.
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.
