Allegations of Financial Misconduct Against Former Shimla Police Chief

An FIR has been filed against Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, the former Superintendent of Police in Shimla, for alleged financial misconduct involving ₹1.87 lakh in unpaid reimbursements. The case raises serious questions about accountability within the Himachal Pradesh Police, as a constable claims he was promised reimbursement for official expenses but never received it. Investigations reveal further irregularities, including the withdrawal of ₹2.35 lakh from a police fund without proper accounting. As the investigation unfolds, it seeks to clarify the handling of public funds and the responsibilities of officials involved.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 22, 2026, 19:21 IST

Serious Allegations Surface Against Former Police Superintendent

Munish Sood

SHIMLA
In a troubling development regarding financial integrity within the Himachal Pradesh Police, an FIR has been filed against Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, the former Superintendent of Police in Shimla. The allegations include cheating, financial misconduct, and the misuse of government funds. This case arose from a complaint by a police constable who claimed he spent ₹1.87 lakh from his own funds for official duties, submitted the necessary bills, which were approved, yet he never received reimbursement.

Gandhi, who previously held the position of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) before becoming the Managing Director of the Himachal Pradesh Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation in Kangra, is under scrutiny for actions taken during his time as SSP Shimla.

The FIR was lodged at the Sadar police station in Shimla on October 22, 2026, under FIR No. 138/2026. The complaint also revealed that around ₹2.35 lakh had been withdrawn from a district police fund over nearly two years, raising concerns about how these funds were utilized and accounted for.

Unpaid Reimbursements Despite Approved Bills

The constable, stationed at Police Lines, Kaithu, was tasked with procuring supplies and organizing official activities during 2024 and 2025. He was assured that expenses incurred would be reimbursed later.

After spending ₹1,87,890 on these official duties, he submitted the bills, which were reportedly approved for payment. However, on February 6, 2026, Gandhi, then SSP Shimla, allegedly obtained the constable's signatures on payment vouchers, claiming these were necessary for processing the reimbursement.

Despite completing all required formalities, the constable did not receive any payment. The situation escalated in July 2026 when he inquired about the outstanding amount at the accounts branch, only to learn that the funds had been withdrawn but not credited to him.

The constable was left to cover his expenses from personal savings, even though the reimbursement had been approved.

Concerns Over Fund Withdrawals

Following the complaint, a review of financial records indicated that approximately ₹2.35 lakh had been withdrawn from a district police fund over two years, with insufficient accounting for its use, raising questions about the fund's balance and the purpose of these withdrawals.

The complaint further alleges that when Gandhi was reassigned from his role as SSP Shimla to the Personnel Department, the funds meant for the constable's bills were redirected to cover the fund's shortfall instead of being disbursed to the constable.

If proven true, these transactions could highlight significant issues regarding the management of public funds, the processing of official vouchers, and the accountability of officials responsible for financial oversight.

The investigation will need to trace the complete financial trail, clarify the purpose of the withdrawals, and examine the circumstances surrounding the transfer of the sanctioned amount.

Legal Proceedings Underway

The FIR has been filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including criminal breach of trust, dishonest misappropriation, and cheating. The investigation is ongoing, and it is important to note that the allegations against Gandhi have not yet been proven in court.

Accountability in Question

This case raises critical questions about administrative accountability: if the constable's expenses were approved and the funds withdrawn, why was he allegedly not reimbursed?

For the complainant, this situation is not just an accounting issue; it has forced him to bear the costs of official duties personally while having submitted bills that were supposedly cleared.

The investigation will seek to determine if any criminal activity occurred, who is responsible for the alleged financial discrepancies, and why the approved payment was not made to the constable.

With Gandhi's recent appointment as Managing Director of the Himachal Pradesh Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation, his previous role as SSP Shimla is now under scrutiny. However, any conclusions regarding accountability will depend on the investigation's findings and the legal process.

The pressing question remains: how did funds that were supposed to cover a police constable's official expenses end up in a fund while the constable himself allegedly went unpaid?