Shimla, April 4, 2026:
The state committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) has demanded the immediate removal of Himachal Pradesh’s acting Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, accusing him of misusing his official position in the Chester Hill land scam in Solan.
CPM team led by former Theog MLA Rakesh Singha and Sanjay Chauhan visited the Chester Hills spot and brought live the larscale destruction of surrounding land, illegal dumping of debris into the nallahs, which is the source of water to the villagers downstream.
The company blocked the public paths and are forcing workers to live in precarious sheds on the site that pose risk of floods and landslides, Team found while interacting with the affected villagers.
Referring to the press conference held on March 30, CPI(M) state secretary Sanjay Chauhan alleged that Gupta violated legal provisions to extend “undue benefits” to the Chester Hill company and called for the registration of an FIR and criminal proceedings against him.
The party said it had earlier flagged the issue on March 30, 2026, alleging that Gupta illegally interfered in an inquiry into violations of Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972.
The case relates to land purchases in Solan by Chester Hill promoters, allegedly through benami transactions.
According to CPI(M), the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Solan, found clear violations of Section 118 and recommended action.
However, on December 6, 2025, Gupta allegedly wrote to the Deputy Commissioner, Solan, rejecting the SDM’s report and pressuring officials to halt legal action—an act termed “unauthorized and illegal” by the party.
In a development, the Additional Secretary (Revenue) has reportedly set aside the Chief Secretary’s communication and directed that action under Section 118 be initiated against the Chester Hill owners.
This could lead to the state taking over the disputed benami land.
CPI(M) further alleged that Gupta also interfered in a separate case of illegal construction by Chester Hill in Solan.
Despite demolition orders issued under Sections 253 and 254 of the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1994, Gupta allegedly passed stay orders on November 1 and November 6, 2025, even though such jurisdiction lies with a District Judge.
Calling both instances a “clear abuse of power,” the party said Gupta acted beyond his authority to benefit private interests and demanded strict legal action.
The CPI(M) has also called for the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe illegal land deals by land and real estate mafias in the state and action against officials found involved.
Warning of agitation, Chauhan said that if the government fails to act, the party will launch a statewide protest until accountability is ensured.
#HimachalPradesh #LandScam #ChesterHill #CPM #Corruption
