Shimla: On the eve of Himachal Day, when the government should have been scripting a feel-good narrative, the Chester Hill land scam has detonated into a political and administrative crisis — now backed by legal action and documentary claims.
At the centre of the storm is Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, facing mounting criticism for what is being seen as glaring inaction at a time when the state’s top bureaucracy stands exposed.
From Files to FIR: Scam Takes Legal Turn.
What was earlier dismissed as “bureaucratic infighting” has now assumed serious governance dimension.
Senior advocate Vinay Sharma — the man who first dragged the Chester Hill matter into public glare — has not only cited documents pointing to alleged irregularities but has also lodged an FIR at Chhota Shimla police station, seeking a thorough probe and actionagainst erring top official mainly Gupta.
Sharma has pointed out the the alleged role of top officials, including Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, and demanded strict action, including dismissal, based on what he claims is documentary evidence.
This is no longer political rhetoric. It is now a matter under the criminal justice lens.
CPM Joins In, Demands Dismissal
The chorus has grown louder with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) stepping in golding press conference seeking action against Gupta.
Citing documents and administrative records, CPM leaders have squarely targeted Sanjay Gupta, accusing him of: Overriding official findings.Dumping reports of SDM and Municipal Commissioner, Solan.
BJP has also sought action against all erring officials.
Derailing action in a case involving alleged violations under Section 118.The party has demanded immediate dismissal and an independent probe, warning that anything less would amount to shielding the powerful.
Bureaucrats vs Bureaucrats
Even as legal heat rises, the bureaucracy continues its public slugfest.
Names in the crossfire include: Prabodh Saxena,Ram Subhag Singh, Shrikant Baldi,Vineet Chaudhary
Each pointing fingers. Each disowning responsibility. Each exposing cracks in the system.
Gupta pinpointed Prabodh Saxena and Rera Chief Shrikant Baldi. Baldi - whose image was sullied when apple gifting scandal worth Rs 6 lakh came to light , exposed him-- washed off his hand saying Gupta was revenue secretary and no violation under Section 118 was brought to his notice when he was RERA Chief.
Vineet Chaudhary had blamed CM Sukhu for inaction as buck stops at his desk.
From allegations of ignored demolition orders to claims of jurisdictional overreach, the entire administrative chain appears compromised.
CM’s Stand: “Infighting” — Or Evasion?
Despite the FIR, documentary claims, and political pressure, the Chief Minister’s reported response remains unchanged — calling it an internal tussle among bureaucrats and claiming lack of full information.
That stance is now drawing sharp criticism. Because when: An FIR has been registered.A senior advocate presents documentary evidence. political parties demand dismissal andcaction. And top officers are publicly accusing each other.
Calling it “infighting” begins to look less like restraint — and more like evasion.
A Defining Moment Before Himachal Day
With the Sukhu government nearing four years in office, this moment carries weight.
Chester Hills scam is pegged at over ₹1,500 crore. Gupta has bought land in Mohali whose value is over Rs 50 crore during the time when Chester Hill land scam was brought to his notice.
But he trashed the report of SDM Solan and MC Commissioner Solan, pointing out Chester Hill project violates section 118 and is illegal and structures need to be demolished
When the Legal action was underway. Bureaucracy is in open conflict.
And no decisive intervention from the top. In political corridors, the question is no longer whispered — it is being asked openly:
Is this indecision cementing the image of a weak Chief Minister?
The Stakes are clear. Himachal Day is about pride and governance.
But today, the state stands at a crossroads where: Rule of law demands action. Public trust demands accountability. And governance demands leadership
The Chester Hill scandal has moved beyond files and accusations — it is now a test of political will.
And as Himachal watches, the silence at the top is speaking louder than any statement.
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