Quiet Exit for DGP Dr. Atul Verma Amid Vimal Negi Case Controversy — No Parade, No Farewell Ceremony

Shimla, May 31:
Director General of Police (DGP) Dr. Atul Verma quietly retired on Saturday, with no official ceremony or formal send-off — a striking departure from the traditional farewell accorded to a state police chief. In the past, the retirement of a DGP has typically been marked by a ceremonial parade and public expressions of appreciation at the Police Lines in Bharari. But for Dr. Verma, the event passed with little fanfare — no grand parade, no gathering of officers, no public acknowledgment of his service.

The muted farewell speaks volumes. It is being widely seen as an indication that the state government was not satisfied with his tenure.

In Stark Contrast to Predecessor’s Send-Off

Just last year, then DGP Sanjay Kundu was given a hero’s farewell. The police grounds in Bharari saw a full ceremonial parade, and officers famously pulled his jeep with ropes in a symbolic and festive gesture of respect. The contrast in Dr. Verma’s case could not be more stark.

Overshadowed by Vimal Negi Case Controversy

Dr. Verma’s term as DGP lasted just 13 months, but it was marred by controversy — most notably, the high-profile death case of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi. Serious questions were raised about the investigation led by the SIT under Shimla SP Sanjeev Gandhi. Dr. Verma himself filed an affidavit in the High Court, making critical observations about the probe, which further escalated tensions between the police leadership and the government.

Following this, the government abruptly placed Dr. Verma on leave, a move seen by many as punitive. The episode revealed deep divisions between the state administration and the police department, and it’s widely believed that this controversy influenced the decision to forgo any formal retirement honours for the outgoing DGP.

Appointment Controversy Also in Spotlight

Dr. Verma’s appointment as DGP in May 2024 had already stirred debate. The Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government had overlooked two more senior IPS officers — S.R. Ojha (1989 batch) and Shyam Bhagat Negi (1990 batch), both on central deputation — in favour of Verma, a 1992 batch officer. That decision was widely discussed at the time, and coincidentally, S.R. Ojha also retired today.

A Distinguished Yet Quiet Career End

Dr. Atul Verma’s career spanned 33 years, beginning on October 11, 1992, after completing MBBS and MBA degrees. He served in several high-profile roles, including Director General of the State Intelligence Department, DG at the Competition Commission of India, ADGP (Law & Order), ADGP (Vigilance), and as Special Secretary (Home) with the central government.

Despite his long and accomplished service record, his exit marks an unceremonious end to a career that — for all its highs — concluded under the shadow of controversy.