SP Shimla in Trouble as DGP Recommends Suspension, Cites Serious Misconduct
SP Shimla Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi
Shimla, May 25:
A sharp rift within the senior ranks of Himachal Pradesh Police has now come into public view. Director General of Police (DGP) Dr. Atul Verma has formally recommended the suspension of Shimla Superintendent of Police (SP) Sanjeev Gandhi, citing serious disciplinary breaches, defiance of superior orders, and negligence in duty. In a letter to the state government, the DGP emphasized the need for immediate and strict administrative action.
Referring to recent observations made by the High Court, the DGP noted that the judiciary had raised serious concerns about SP Gandhi’s conduct. He also pointed to a press conference held by Gandhi on May 24, during which the SP publicly accused the state’s Chief Secretary and a constitutional officeholder. Moreover, Gandhi’s comments on a sensitive issue involving the National Security Guard and the central government were flagged as misleading and potentially damaging to Centre-State relations.
In his letter, the DGP argued that SP Gandhi’s behavior violates the All India Services Conduct Rules and the Himachal Pradesh Police Act, and is inconsistent with the decorum expected from a senior officer. He has recommended Gandhi’s immediate suspension and asked that he be directed to report to police headquarters without delay.
This recommendation comes just a day after SP Gandhi publicly levelled serious allegations against the DGP. Gandhi accused the DGP of submitting an affidavit in court that undermines the credibility of the SIT (Special Investigation Team) led by him. He further stated that he would challenge the affidavit in the High Court.
Gandhi went on to allege that a member of the DGP’s personal staff was linked to a drug trafficking network and that a confidential CID communication had been stolen and leaked—possibly with involvement from within the DGP’s office. He claimed that there had been attempts to derail and interfere with the impartial investigation conducted by his team, with both police headquarters and political interests playing a role.
Calling it a direct attack on his 25 years of honest service, Gandhi asserted that he would not tolerate such interference. He reiterated that the SIT had uncovered evidence suggesting that the death of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi was not a routine case. He also mentioned that the investigation took seriously the suspicions raised by the deceased’s wife, Kiran Negi, who had alleged foul play.
On May 23, the Himachal Pradesh High Court ordered a CBI probe into Vimal Negi’s suspicious death—a move that has triggered a political and administrative storm in the state. The investigation was previously led by an SIT under SP Gandhi, but concerns raised by the victim’s family prompted a legal petition that ultimately led to the High Court transferring the case to the CBI. The court also made critical observations regarding the SP’s role in the investigation.
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