What Led to the Assault on an NHAI Official by a Himachal Minister?

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What Led to the Assault on an NHAI Official by a Himachal Minister?

Synopsis

In a shocking incident in Shimla, a state minister and six others have been accused of assaulting an NHAI official after a building collapse. This politically charged event has prompted calls for the minister's resignation as the opposition BJP demands accountability. The incident raises serious concerns regarding safety and the rule of law.

Key Takeaways

  • Assault allegations against a state minister.
  • Political backlash from the opposition.
  • Importance of officer safety emphasized by NHAI.
  • Concerns over law and order in the state.
  • Need for accountability in governance.

Shimla, July 1 (NationPress) The Himachal Pradesh Police have initiated legal proceedings against Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh Rana along with six others for allegedly attacking an official from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). This incident has ignited a significant political controversy, with the opposition BJP demanding his expulsion from the Cabinet.

The reported incident occurred following the collapse of an unoccupied five-story residential structure adjacent to a highway under construction.

The complainant, Achal Jindal, Manager (Technical) at NHAI in Shimla, has suffered injuries to his head and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

According to his statement, after the minister inquired about the building's collapse, he provided the requested information. However, he was then subjected to abusive language and was summoned along with a colleague into a room where they were physically assaulted.

Jindal reported that he was struck on the head with a flower pot, leading to significant bleeding. The FIR states that no administrative personnel intervened to assist him, compelling him and his colleague to travel to the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMCH) for medical attention.

In response to the incident, the NHAI Engineers Association (NEA) has called for action against the involved parties, including the minister. They emphasized that “officer safety is non-negotiable” and expressed unity in their stance.

The Leader of the Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, condemned the event as both shameful and unacceptable, noting that two NHAI officials were assaulted in the presence of the minister, police, and administrative officials.

Thakur has urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to take decisive action against the minister, insisting that “this type of anarchy will not be tolerated in the state”.

He criticized the circumstances of the assault, which occurred in front of senior officials and police personnel, highlighting that the victims were not even escorted to the hospital for assistance.

“The attack on NHAI officials reflects a troubling decline in law and order within the state,” he stated.

In his complaint, Jindal recounted that the minister led them to a nearby room where he was assaulted with a water pitcher, resulting in head injuries. When his colleague, Yogesh, attempted to intervene, he was also attacked. Jindal noted that despite the presence of the SDM and police, they received no help.

Locals have attributed the building's collapse to excavation and rock-cutting activities conducted for a four-lane highway project by NHAI, although the NHAI claims that the fallen building was outside their project boundaries.

A distressing video captured the moment the building collapsed after heavy rainfall, yet fortunately, no casualties were reported as the structure had been evacuated due to emerging cracks.

Point of View

It is crucial to approach this incident with a balanced perspective. While the allegations against the minister and his associates are serious, it is essential to await the outcome of the investigation. The safety of officials and citizens alike must remain a priority, and accountability for any misconduct should be upheld to maintain public trust.
NationPress
01/07/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the allegations against the Himachal minister?
The Himachal minister and six others have been accused of assaulting an NHAI official after a building collapse, with claims of physical violence reported.
What action has been taken by the NHAI in response?
The NHAI Engineers Association has demanded action against the minister and his associates, emphasizing the importance of officer safety.
What was the condition of the assaulted official?
The NHAI official, Achal Jindal, sustained head injuries and is currently hospitalized following the incident.
How has the opposition reacted to the incident?
The opposition BJP has called for the minister's removal from the Cabinet, labeling the incident as unacceptable and a sign of deteriorating law and order.
What are the implications of this incident for governance in Himachal Pradesh?
This incident raises serious concerns about governance, safety, and the rule of law in Himachal Pradesh, prompting calls for accountability.