New Delhi (27.05.2025): The Himachal Pradesh government cracked the whip on officers allegedly responsible for mishandling the Vimal Negi death case by divesting DGP Atul Verma, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Onkar Sharma and Shimla SP Sanjeev Gandhi of their present responsibilities.
These officers may be issued show cause notices. While Gandhi has proceeded on medical leave, Verma and Sharma will also remain on leave.
Verma is due to retire on May 31, 2025 and the additional charge of the DGP has been given to Ashok Tiwari (IPS: 1993: HP), who is currently posted as DGP Vigilance and Anti- Corruption Bureau. The High Court had recently handed over the Negi case to the CBI. Negi, an HP Power Corporation Limited chief engineer, had gone missing and his body was recovered on March 18.
The leave orders may spell trouble for Verma who in his affidavit to the High Court had made the revelation of a missing pen drive, which he had claimed, was not made part of the case record and had been formatted. Any ensuing legal battle may complicate this case and impact his pension and other benefits.
DGP Verma and ACS Sharma have been accused of filing affidavit in the High Court without getting it vetted by the Advocate General. SP Gandhi had alleged DGP Verma's Staff having links with drug syndicate.
ACS Sharma has been divested of all portfolios including Home and Revenue. He had headed the fact-finding team to probe the case. Gaurav Singh (IPS: 2013: HP) has been given the additional charge of Shimla SP.
