Minister Denies Assault Allegations Amid Rising Tensions Over Shimla Building Collapse

In the wake of a tragic building collapse in Shimla’s Chamyana area, Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh has strongly denied allegations of assaulting a senior National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official. Calling the claims “baseless” and part of a broader attempt to deflect blame, Singh asserted that the FIR filed against him is politically motivated.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Singh argued that the accusations are a distraction from the real issue—the collapse of a five-storey residential building that has sparked public outrage. “There were nearly 150 witnesses at the scene. The FIR lacks merit, and locals have also filed complaints against NHAI officials for misconduct,” he said.

Singh questioned the severity of the alleged victim’s injuries and called for a transparent investigation. “Hospital records and eyewitness accounts will show the truth,” he added.

The minister didn’t hold back in criticizing NHAI’s operations in the state, accusing the agency of corruption and negligence. “There’s a deep-rooted nexus between contractors, NHAI, and the Centre. Their projects have caused damage and loss of life, and they must be held accountable,” Singh said.

The controversy stems from a June 30 incident where Achal Jindal, NHAI’s Manager (Technical) in Shimla, alleged that Singh physically assaulted him during a site visit. Jindal claimed the confrontation escalated when he clarified that the collapsed building was outside NHAI’s jurisdiction. An FIR has been registered, and police are investigating.

The incident has triggered national outrage. The NHAI Engineers Association demanded swift action, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari condemned the alleged assault, calling it “deeply reprehensible” and “an affront to the rule of law.” Gadkari urged Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to take “immediate and exemplary action.”