Controversy Erupts in Himachal Pradesh Bureaucracy Over Land Deal Allegations
Allegations Against Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta
Munish Sood
Mandi
A major controversy has emerged within the upper ranks of Himachal Pradesh's bureaucracy, as Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta faces serious allegations regarding a land acquisition in Chester Hill, Solan district. Gupta has publicly refuted these claims, labeling the complaint as 'baseless, misleading, and part of a larger conspiracy.'
Details of the Complaint and Gupta's Response
The complaint was lodged at the Chhota Shimla police station by former Advocate General Vinay Sharma, sparking a heated exchange of accusations among senior officials. Gupta expressed skepticism about the motives behind the complaint, calling it 'motivated' and suggesting it was intended to draw unwarranted attention.
Clarification on the Land Purchase
Gupta provided a thorough explanation regarding the land transaction, stating that the 3-acre plot was acquired in July 2025 with prior government approval. He clarified that he was not serving as Chief Secretary at the time of the purchase.
He pointed out that the collector rate for the land was ₹1.10 crore, while the actual purchase price was ₹1.35 crore, exceeding the official valuation. Gupta explained that ₹75 lakh was withdrawn from his General Provident Fund (GPF) in June 2025, and he has shared the relevant documents with the media.
Counter-Accusations Against Former Officials
In a strong rebuttal, Gupta accused former Chief Secretaries R.D. Dhiman and Prabodh Saxena of leading a campaign to tarnish his reputation. He raised concerns about their integrity, alleging that both were involved in efforts to unfairly target him.
Gupta also claimed that some officials currently accusing him are themselves under investigation, with vigilance cases filed and inquiries by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) ongoing.
Legal and Procedural Issues Highlighted
Gupta questioned the legal basis of the complaint, noting that the complainant referenced provisions of corruption law that are no longer applicable, thereby casting doubt on the credibility of the allegations.
He also mentioned alleged irregularities in the Kunihar–Nalagarh power line project, valued at around ₹130 crore, indicating potential violations of established protocols during its implementation.
Concerns Over Regulatory Approval
Expanding his response, Gupta raised issues regarding the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) and its role in approving the Chester Hill project. He questioned how the project received clearance amid procedural lapses, indirectly implicating former RERA Chairman Shrikant Baldi.
Policy Context and Administrative Implications
Referencing the state government's policy framework, Gupta noted that the Chief Minister has issued explicit directives against extending key assignments to officers with 'doubtful integrity.' He alleged that this policy shift has led to resistance from certain factions, resulting in attempts to create a negative narrative about him.
Gupta also emphasized his administrative achievements, stating that he successfully revitalized a loss-making department during his previous tenure, which contributed to his promotion to Chief Secretary.
Broader Institutional Conflict
The Chester Hill land controversy has escalated into a wider institutional conflict, revealing significant divisions within the state's administrative framework. With serious allegations and counter-allegations surfacing from various parties, this controversy is likely to have considerable administrative and political consequences in Himachal Pradesh.