DGP vs SP: Clash of Egos or Crisis of Trust? An Alarming Rift in Himachal’s Law Enforcement

The growing rift between Superintendent of Police (SP) Sanjeev Gandhi and Director General of Police (DGP) Atul Verma in Himachal Pradesh has become a serious cause for concern. This is no longer a matter of personal disagreement—it now raises pressing questions about the credibility and cohesion of the entire police force. When an institution built on discipline and public trust becomes a battleground for internal conflict, it inevitably shakes citizens’ confidence in the system.

Sanjeev Gandhi is regarded as a sharp and assertive officer, while Atul Verma commands respect for his experience and leadership. Both have their strengths. But if there are differences, they must be resolved calmly and internally, without allowing the conflict to spill into the public domain. What we are witnessing is not just a clash of personalities, but a deeper indication of a communication breakdown within the department.

This is precisely where the state government must step in—impartially and decisively. The solution should not only uphold the dignity of the department but also ensure that such conflicts are prevented in the future. Establishing clear guidelines and robust channels for dialogue is essential.

This is not merely about two officers—it’s about the credibility of the entire policing apparatus. The police force must set an example of discipline and unity. Otherwise, it is the public—those who rely on this system for their safety and justice—who will ultimately suffer the most.

The dispute has now entered judicial territory. The Himachal Pradesh High Court has gone so far as to observe that “there appears to be personal animosity between officers,” prompting the court to hand over the investigation to the CBI. Such a remark underlines the gravity of the situation. Judicial intervention and the need for a central agency probe point to a serious deficit in transparency within the police system.

At the heart of this controversy is the mysterious death of HPPCL General Manager Vimal Negi, a case originally handled by an SIT led by SP Sanjeev Gandhi. The High Court has cast doubts on the impartiality of that investigation. When even the DGP expresses a lack of confidence in his own department’s inquiry, how can the public be expected to place its faith in it?

This episode has brought to light a larger issue—an absence of communication, accountability, and transparency within the state’s law enforcement machinery. The government must treat this matter as a turning point. Beyond ensuring a fair and thorough investigation, steps must be taken to prevent similar situations in the future. When the judiciary feels compelled to say, “Only the CBI can now conduct this investigation,” it’s not just a comment on one officer—it’s a statement about systemic failure.

Even the release of court proceedings on social media—highly unusual in such cases—raises fresh questions about procedural integrity and intent.

This dispute is no longer just an internal matter between two senior officers; it has become a full-blown crisis of institutional credibility. The government and the administration must act with urgency and impartiality to restore discipline, transparency, and cohesion within the department. Only then can public trust be rebuilt—and the promise of justice and safety delivered with integrity.