In a significant development signaling deepening internal discord within the Himachal Pradesh Police, Director General of Police (DGP) Atul Verma has recommended the immediate suspension of Shimla Superintendent of Police (SP) Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi for alleged “gross misconduct, insubordination, and dereliction of duty.”
The recommendation follows a controversial press conference held by SP Gandhi on Saturday, in which he accused members of the DGP’s office of links to a drug trafficking syndicate and sharply criticized the handling of the high-profile Vimal Negi death investigation.
Formal Recommendation and Repatriation Request
In a formal letter addressed to the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), the Chief Secretary, and the Private Secretary to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, DGP Verma not only called for Gandhi’s suspension but also recommended his immediate repatriation to police headquarters. The DGP further urged a full-scale departmental inquiry and close coordination with the ongoing CBI probe into the Vimal Negi case.
Allegations of Misconduct and National Security Concerns
According to the DGP’s letter, SP Gandhi made “inappropriate and baseless” allegations against senior state officials, including the Chief Secretary and a constitutional authority, constituting a breach of official conduct. DGP Verma warned that such actions could damage Centre-State relations and disrupt administrative coherence.
He also noted that Gandhi made unverified and sensitive remarks about the National Security Guard (NSG), in relation to an active investigation. These statements, Verma argued, have the potential to erode public trust and strain cooperation between state and central agencies.
The letter cited violations of Rule 3(1) and Rule 7 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, which emphasize integrity, duty, and conduct befitting public service. It also referenced Section 87 of the Himachal Pradesh Police Act, 2007, underlining further breaches in professional conduct.
SP Gandhi’s Explosive Allegations
In his press briefing, SP Gandhi labeled the status report submitted by DGP Verma to the Himachal Pradesh High Court in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry into Vimal Negi’s death as “irresponsible” and driven by a “personal vendetta.” He accused individuals within the DGP’s office of having connections with the Sanjay Bhuria gang, an alleged drug trafficking network, and of sabotaging the investigation into leaked confidential CID documents.
Gandhi also leveled serious allegations against former DGP Sanjay Kundu, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, former Shimla Deputy Commissioner, and current Dharamshala MLA Sudhir Sharma.
Broader Political and Legal Fallout
The controversy has sparked a political and administrative storm, raising serious questions about the credibility of the state’s law enforcement machinery and its collaboration with central agencies. Sources indicate that the state government is closely reviewing the developments and may soon issue formal directives.
Meanwhile, the CBI continues its investigation into the Vimal Negi case under public and judicial scrutiny, as pressure mounts on state institutions to ensure transparency and uphold the rule of law.
