SHIMLA: The bitter war of allegations and counter-allegations among Himachal Pradesh's top bureaucratic and legal circles has now spilled from the media into the courtroom, with former Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta lodging criminal complaints against former RERA Chairman Srikant Baldi and senior advocate Vinay Sharma.
Acting on Gupta's complaints, Chhota Shimla police have registered separate FIRs against Baldi and Sharma under Sections 248, 351 and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and initiated investigations.
The development marks a significant escalation in the controversy surrounding the high-profile Chester Hills land and housing project, which has triggered intense public debate and exposed deep divisions within the state's administrative establishment.
According to police sources, Gupta alleged in his first complaint that former RERA Chairman Srikant Baldi issued a press statement containing false, malicious and defamatory allegations intended to tarnish his personal and professional reputation.
The statement reportedly accused Gupta of passing illegal orders during his tenure as Chief Secretary, acting beyond his jurisdiction, misusing official authority and favouring the Chester Hills project through questionable decisions.
Gupta has maintained that the allegations are baseless and aimed at damaging his credibility.
He pointed out that the state government had issued vigilance clearance and integrity certificates in his favour, contradicting claims questioning his integrity.
He further alleged that Baldi's statements were an attempt to divert attention from decisions taken during his own tenure in matters related to the Chester Hills project.
The second FIR pertains to allegations made by senior advocate and former Deputy Advocate General Vinay Sharma.
Sharma had recently released a video citing documents related to the Chester Hills controversy and raised questions regarding Gupta's land purchases and alleged benami properties.
In his complaint, Gupta termed these allegations completely unfounded and misleading. He stated that all information relating to his land transactions had been duly disclosed to the government within prescribed timelines under the All India Services (Conduct) Rules.
Gupta alleged that the complaints and public statements against him were part of a deliberate campaign to misuse legal processes and malign his reputation.
The controversy has gained political and administrative significance as it erupted shortly after Gupta's removal from the post of Chief Secretary last week.
The public exchange of accusations among former and serving members of the state's administrative and legal fraternity has drawn widespread attention, with the Chester Hills project once again coming under scrutiny.
Police officials confirmed that investigations into both FIRs are underway and that all allegations and counter-allegations will be examined on the basis of evidence and applicable legal provisions.
