DGP Recommends Shimla SP Gandhi's Suspension

In letter to additional chief secretary, DGP says the SP made 'unsubstantiated' allegations against senior govt officials and constitutional authorities

- HT Correspondent

SHIMLA: Day after Shimla superintendent of police Sanjeev Gandhi levelled allegations of misconduct against him and his staff, Himachal director general of police Atul Verma on Sunday recommended immediate suspension of the SP to the Himachal Pradesh government, officials said.

In a letter to the additional chief secretary (home), the DGP said Gandhi had made "unsubstantiated and inappropriate allegations against senior government functionaries and constitutional authorities", and he should be suspended "pending the outcome of a departmental inquiry and the CBI investigation" into the death of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) chief engineer-cum-general manager Vimal Negi.

"The SP made unsubstantiated and inappropriate allegations against the senior government functionaries and constitutional authorities in the state and also made unverified and potentially prejudicial statements regarding the National Security Guards in connection with a matter that is currently under investigation", the letter said.

The DGP cited instances of "misconduct and insubordination" by the SP.

Similar letters, along with a video of the SP's media interaction on Saturday in which he made the allegations, were also sent to the chief secretary and private secretary to the chief minister, officials in the police headquarters said.

There has been a violation of Rule 3(1) and Rule 7 of All India Service (AIS) Conduct Rules 1968 under which every member of the Service shall maintain absolute integrity and devotion to duty and do nothing which is unbecoming of a member of the Service and not indulge in criticism of Government and Section 87 (misconduct) of HP Police Act, 2007, it said.

The SP "be placed under suspension with immediate effect and be directed to report to police headquarters pending the outcome of a detailed departmental inquiry and CBI Investigation in Vimal Negi death case," the letter added.