Himachal Pradesh – Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana, currently serving as Himachal Pradesh’s panchayati raj minister, has been formally booked by police for allegedly assaulting a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officer during a site inspection in Shimla. This unprecedented incident has sent shockwaves through the political establishment and raised serious questions about the conduct of elected representatives and the safety of government officials performing their duties.
Serious Criminal Charges Filed Against Minister
The Dhalli police station has registered a First Information Report against Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include Sections 132, 121(1), 352, 126(2), and 3(5), which specifically address offences related to assaulting or using criminal force against public servants to deter them from performing their official duties.
Station House Officer Virochan Negi confirmed that the case against Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana was registered following a formal complaint by Achal Jindal, who serves as the manager (technical) at NHAI Shimla. The severity of the charges reflects the serious nature of the alleged assault and the legal protections afforded to public servants in the discharge of their duties.
The legal action against Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana demonstrates that law enforcement agencies are prepared to act against high-profile political figures when credible allegations of criminal conduct are presented. This case could set important precedents for accountability among elected representatives in Himachal Pradesh.
Details of the Alleged Assault Incident
According to the victim’s complaint, Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana allegedly physically assaulted NHAI officer Achal Jindal during a site inspection related to a building collapse incident in the Bhattakuffar area of Shimla. The assault reportedly occurred on Monday when both officials were present at the site to assess the situation following the collapse of a five-storey residential building.
The incident involving Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana began when Jindal explained the jurisdictional boundaries regarding the collapsed building. According to the complaint, Jindal informed the minister that the collapsed structure was located 30 meters away from the national highway’s right of way, meaning any damage would fall under state government jurisdiction rather than NHAI responsibility.
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This professional explanation apparently triggered an aggressive response from Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana, who became agitated and began verbally abusing the NHAI officer in front of other officials and local residents. The situation escalated when the minister allegedly took both Jindal and his colleague Yogesh into a nearby room belonging to a local resident.
Graphic Details of Physical Violence
The complaint against Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana includes disturbing details of the alleged physical assault. According to Jindal’s statement, the minister struck him on the head with a pitcher, causing significant head injuries and bleeding. The attack was so severe that the victim required immediate medical attention and subsequent hospitalization.
When site engineer Yogesh attempted to intervene and protect his colleague from Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana’s assault, he too was allegedly beaten up by the minister. This escalation demonstrates the severity of the incident and the minister’s apparent disregard for the presence of witnesses and potential consequences of his actions.
The complaint also notes that Sub Divisional Magistrate Manjeet Sharma, who was present at the scene, failed to intervene or assist the victims during the assault by Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana. This inaction by another government official has raised additional concerns about the chain of command and responsibility during the incident.
Medical Treatment and Current Condition
Following the alleged assault by Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana, both victims managed to escape the scene and drove themselves to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) in Shimla for emergency medical treatment. Achal Jindal continues to receive medical care for his injuries, highlighting the serious nature of the physical assault.
The hospitalization of the NHAI officer serves as tangible evidence of the severity of the alleged attack by Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana. Medical records and documentation of injuries will likely play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings against the minister.
High-Level Political Intervention and Condemnation
The assault allegations against Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana have attracted attention at the highest levels of government. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari personally intervened in the matter, speaking directly with Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to demand immediate and exemplary action against all perpetrators.
Gadkari’s strong public statement regarding Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana emphasized that the assault was “deeply reprehensible and an affront to the rule of law.” The Union Minister characterized the attack as not only endangering individual safety but also eroding institutional integrity, indicating the broader implications of such incidents on governance and public service.
The NHAI Engineers’ Association has also condemned the assault by Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana and sought Gadkari’s intervention to ensure justice for their colleague. This professional solidarity demonstrates the concern within the engineering community about the safety of government officers performing their duties.
Opposition Demands and Political Fallout
Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur has demanded that Chief Minister Sukhu dismiss Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana from the cabinet immediately. Thakur characterized the incident as an example of declining law and order in the state, suggesting that such behavior represents broader governance failures.
The political controversy surrounding Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana has provided ammunition for opposition parties to criticize the current state government’s handling of law and order issues. The incident has become a symbol of what critics describe as increasing lawlessness and political impunity in Himachal Pradesh.
Professional Protest and Solidarity
In solidarity with the assaulted officer, the NHAI Engineers Association organized a protest action against Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana by directing all highway authority officers to proceed on half-day leave from 2 PM on Tuesday. This coordinated response demonstrates the engineering community’s commitment to supporting their colleague and demanding accountability.
The protest action represents an unusual step by government engineers, highlighting their serious concerns about workplace safety and the treatment of technical officers by political figures. The association’s response to the Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana incident could inspire similar solidarity actions in other government departments.
Legal Implications and Future Proceedings
The criminal case against Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana will now proceed through the legal system, with investigations continuing and evidence being gathered. The victim has specifically requested police protection and a fair investigation, demanding strict action against the minister and others involved in the incident.
This case involving Congress MLA Anirudh Singh Rana will test the independence of law enforcement agencies and the judicial system’s ability to hold powerful political figures accountable for their actions. The outcome could have significant implications for political accountability and the rule of law in Himachal Pradesh.
