FIR names former police chief over alleged ₹2.35 lakh irregular withdrawals; constable claims approved bills worth ₹1.87 lakh remain unpaid
Shimla, October 22: Former Shimla Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, who has figured in controversies during his tenure, has been booked by the Himachal Pradesh Police in a case involving allegations of fraud, misappropriation of government funds and irregularities in financial transactions.
The police have officially named Gandhi in FIR No. 138/2026, registered at Sadar Police Station, Shimla, on October 22 under Sections 316(5), 314, 318, 336 and 340 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The case centres on allegations that a police constable spent money from his own pocket on official arrangements but was allegedly denied reimbursement even after his bills were approved.
According to an official police release, the complaint was lodged by a constable posted at Police Lines, Kaithu, who claimed that he was assigned various official duties and arrangements during 2024 and 2025.
He alleged that he was asked to meet the expenses from his personal funds on the assurance that the amount would subsequently be reimbursed.
The constable stated that he spent ₹1,87,890 on the arrangements and submitted the bills to the office concerned. The bills were reportedly examined and approved for payment.
The complaint alleges that on February 6, 2026, Gandhi, then SSP Shimla, called the constable and obtained his signatures on payment-related vouchers, telling him that the signatures were required to complete the payment process. However, the constable claimed that the approved amount was never paid to him.
The alleged irregularities came to light when the complainant approached the Accounts Branch in July 2026 to ascertain the status of his claim. He was allegedly informed that the amount had already been withdrawn from the fund but had not been credited to his account.
The constable claimed that he suffered financial losses and had to arrange money from his personal resources to meet his liabilities.
Probe points to alleged ₹2.35 lakh fund shortfall
The preliminary examination of financial records reportedly revealed that approximately ₹2.35 lakh had allegedly been withdrawn irregularly from a district police fund over nearly two years.
According to the police release, the records examined so far did not establish the purpose for which the entire amount was utilised, resulting in a shortfall in the fund.
The records further indicate that after Gandhi was transferred from the post of SSP Shimla to the Department of Personnel, the alleged shortfall was sought to be adjusted by transferring the amount approved against the constable’s bills back into the concerned fund account instead of paying the complainant.
As a result, the constable allegedly remained deprived of the reimbursement despite the approval of his bills.
The preliminary findings have also pointed to discrepancies concerning the withdrawal and utilisation of funds, payment of the approved claim and the vouchers and documents connected with the transactions.
Investigation underway
The police have registered the case under provisions of the BNS relating to criminal breach of trust by a public servant or specified person, dishonest misappropriation, cheating and offences involving forged documents, subject to the precise applicability of the provisions to the alleged acts.
The investigation is underway, and further action will depend on the evidence collected by the police.
Gandhi's response is awaited
