NHAI Official Alleges Assault By HP Minister Anirudh Singh & His Supporters During Inspection Of Shimla Building Collapse Site; Case Registered

Shimla: A National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) official Achal Jindal alleged that Himachal Pradesh Minister Anirudh Singh and his supporters assaulted him and his colleague in Shimla on Monday, June 30. Jindal and Yogesh had gone for an inspection at the Bhattakuffer area where a five-storey building collapsed on Monday.

The incident took place after a dispute erupted over the building collapse near an ongoing highway project, reported the United News of India citing sources. Jindal in his complaint alleged that the minister took him and his colleague to a nearby room and beat him up with a water pitcher, causing head injuries.

The NHAI manager further alleged that when Yogesh intervened, he was also thrashed. As per Jindal, SDM and police were also present at the spot, but no one came forward to rescue them.

On Monday, a vacant five-storey building collapsed in Mathu Colony. Locals reportedly blamed the highway construction project for the collapse.

Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur demanded strict action against the accused minister. "This type of anarchy will not be tolerated in the state under any circumstances," Thakur said as reported by The Tribune. He called the incident shameful.

A day after the incident, an FIR has been registered against the Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister, reported The Tribune, The case has been registered under Sections under relevant sections of the haratiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 132, 121 (1), 352 and126 (2). A detailed investigation has been launched into the matter.