Shimla: In a major administrative shake-up, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government has taken stern action against senior bureaucrats and police officers for alleged indiscipline and internal conflicts. The action follows a high-level meeting at Oak Over in Shimla.
Top Bureaucrats and Police Officers Sent on Leave
The government has placed three top officials – Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Home Omkar Sharma, Director General of Police (DGP) Dr. Atul Verma, and Shimla Superintendent of Police (SP) Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi – on leave. In addition, Omkar Sharma has been divested of all his departmental responsibilities.
1991 batch IPS officer Dr Atul Verma is currently on earned leave, while SP Sanjeev Gandhi, an IPS officer of 2012 batch, is reportedly on medical leave. However, both officers have been served show-cause notices for alleged misconduct and internal disputes.
Ashok Tiwari Appointed Acting DGP
DG Vigilance Ashok Tiwari (IPS, 1993 batch) has been given additional charge of the Director General of Police. His appointment was approved by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh and is effective immediately. He will serve in this role during Dr. Verma’s leave.
SP Shimla Post Handed Over to Gaurav Singh
SP Gaurav Singh of District Solan has been given the additional charge of SP Shimla following Sanjeev Gandhi’s leave. The decision came after discussions about ongoing disciplinary concerns.
High-Level Meeting Triggered Action
The crackdown was decided in a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Key attendees included Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Secretary to CM Rakesh Kanwar, Secretary Law Sharad Kumar Lagwal, and Advocate General Anoop Ratan.
Reports suggest that the suspension of Gandhi is partly based on a written complaint by DGP Dr. Atul Verma, who himself was later found to be entangled in the conflict. The CM had earlier issued a strong statement criticizing the conduct of all three officers.
Reallocation of Omkar Sharma’s Departments
Following Omkar Sharma’s removal, his key departments have been redistributed–
- Kamlesh Kumar Pant (ACS) has been assigned Home, Vigilance, Revenue, and made Chairman of the Pollution Control Board.
- Kadam Sandeep Vasant has taken over the Water Power Department.
- Rakhil Kahlon has been entrusted with the Tribal Development Department.
Government Unhappy with Omkar Sharma’s Report
Sources reveal the government was dissatisfied with Omkar Sharma’s handling of the internal matter, claiming his report was one-sided and lacked comprehensive insight. This dissatisfaction played a role in the decision to remove him from key responsibilities.
DGP Retirement Nears
Dr. Atul Verma, who is currently on leave, is slated to retire on March 31, raising questions about whether further disciplinary action will be pursued before his exit.
Clear Message
The Sukhu government’s actions send a clear message of zero tolerance for internal discord and disciplinary breaches at the highest levels of administration. More developments are expected as show-cause proceedings unfold.
