Is Himachal Minister Anirudh Singh Rana Charged for Assaulting NHAI Official?

Shimla, July 1 (NationPress) The Himachal Pradesh Police have initiated legal proceedings against state Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh Rana along with six accomplices, accused of assaulting an official from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). This incident has sparked significant political upheaval, with the opposition BJP questioning the lack of stringent charges against the accused.

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari condemned the attack on NHAI Manager (Technical) Achal Jindal as a despicable act, asserting that such violence against a public official damages institutional integrity. He communicated with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu regarding the serious nature of the incident.

The reported assault occurred in Shimla following the collapse of a five-story building adjacent to an under-construction highway. Jindal, the complainant, suffered head injuries and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

According to Jindal's account, after providing information to the minister regarding the building collapse, he was subjected to abusive language. Subsequently, both he and a colleague were summoned into a room and assaulted. Jindal reported being struck on the head with a flower pot, resulting in severe bleeding.

The FIR indicates that no administrative officials intervened during the incident, compelling Jindal and his colleague to seek medical assistance at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMCH).

In response to the incident, the NHAI Engineers Association (NEA) has called for accountability against the perpetrators, including the minister, emphasizing that officer safety is paramount.

Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur criticized the government for its loss of credibility, claiming that the charges filed against the minister are minor and that there is an attempt to suppress the case. He highlighted the disparity in how BJP leaders faced severe charges during protests, while those involved in the assault on public officials have been charged under lesser offenses.

Jindal's complaint details that he was beaten with a water pitcher, leading to head injuries, while his associate was also assaulted. Despite the presence of an SDM and police, no assistance was rendered.

Local residents attribute the building's collapse to excavation activities for a four-lane highway, though the NHAI asserts the structure was outside the project area. A distressing video captures the building's collapse after heavy rainfall, but fortunately, no fatalities occurred as the building had been evacuated due to prior structural damage.

Gadkari described the event as deeply troubling, stating on social media, “This brutal attack on a public servant performing his official duties not only jeopardizes individual safety but also undermines institutional integrity.” He expressed the necessity for prompt and decisive action against those responsible.

Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur voiced concerns about the declining law and order in the state, questioning the government's role when a minister is involved in such misconduct.