New Delhi [India], July 1 : Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday wrote to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, expressing "profound shock" over the alleged assault of two National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officers in Shimla.
In his letter, Union Minister Gadkari urged a "thorough and impartial investigation" into the incident.
"I am writing to express my profound shock and strong condemnation regarding the recent brutal assault on Shri Achal Jindal, Manager (Technical) and site engineer, Sh Yogesh at Bhata Kuffer, Shimla. As per reports, both the officers were assaulted by the Minister of Rural and Panchayati Raj, Himachal Pradesh, Shri Anirudh Singh, during a site inspection related to highway construction works," the Union minister wrote in a letter addressed to the Himachal CM.
"This incident undermines the dignity and safety of NHAI officers who are committed to the development of road infrastructure in the State. Such avoidable acts of violence against government officials entrusted with public service must be dealt with the strongest possible action," Gadkari's letter stated.
Gadkari also urged a "thorough and impartial investigation," ensuring justice is brought to the perpetrators, and the security of NHAI officials working in Himachal Pradesh.
"Therefore, I urge your immediate intervention in this grave matter and request your government to take the following actions: 1) order a thorough and impartial investigation into this matter; 2) ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice swiftly in accordance with the law; 3) fix responsibility of concerned administrative and police officers for their inaction; 4) provide adequate security and protection to NHAI officials and contractors working in Himachal Pradesh," the Union Minister said.
NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav also wrote to Himachal's Chief Secretary asking for a detailed enquiry.
"The officers of NHAI have sustained grave injuries and were later hospitalised... In view of the above-mentioned incident, I request you to conduct a detailed enquiry into the matter, kindly, and all people responsible for the manhandling of NHAI officers be tried as per law," the letter read.
Notably, an FIR has been registered against Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh following allegations of physical assault.
The case was filed based on a complaint by Achal Jindal, Manager (Technical) at NHAI, who has accused the minister of assault and verbal abuse during a site visit in the Bhattakufer area on Monday, following the collapse of a five-storey building.
The Dhalli police station has registered a case under Sections 132, 121(1), 352, 126(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police have initiated a formal investigation.