Ex-DAG, Former RERA Chief Booked for Defamation

In a significant development involving senior former public officials in Himachal Pradesh, the Shimla Police have registered separate criminal cases against former Deputy Advocate General Vinay Sharma and former Himachal Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) Chairman Shrikant Baldi on allegations of defamation.

The cases were filed following complaints lodged by former Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, who alleged that both individuals made false, malicious, and defamatory allegations against him regarding corruption, abuse of office, benami property holdings, misuse of public funds, and administrative interference.

According to police officials, separate FIRs were registered on Friday under Sections 248, 351, and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Allegations Against Vinay Sharma

Gupta's complaint states that Sharma filed a complaint on March 24, 2026, containing allegations that lacked factual, legal, or documentary support. Gupta alleged that the accusations were intended to tarnish his personal reputation and undermine the dignity of the office of the Chief Secretary.

Sharma had questioned Gupta's involvement in a land transaction linked to the Chester Hill project in Solan district and alleged misuse of official position in connection with the deal.

Rejecting the allegations, Gupta maintained that the land purchase was carried out strictly in accordance with legal procedures. He asserted that the property was registered in July 2025, several months before he assumed office as Chief Secretary on October 1, 2025.

Gupta further clarified that approximately ₹75 lakh used for the transaction was withdrawn through legitimate banking channels and that all records relating to the purchase were available for verification.

Complaint Against Former RERA Chief

In a separate complaint, Gupta accused former RERA Chairman Shrikant Baldi of issuing defamatory statements to the media that allegedly contained baseless imputations against him.

According to the complaint, Baldi's statements were aimed at lowering Gupta's public standing, damaging his professional credibility, and creating prejudice against his discharge of official duties.

Police Action and Legal Provisions

The FIRs invoke provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita dealing with allegedly false accusations, criminal intimidation, and defamation.

The registration of criminal defamation cases against two former senior officials is likely to draw attention given the public nature of the allegations and the positions previously held by the parties involved.

Gupta's Defence

Gupta denied allegations of corruption, money laundering, benami ownership, and undervaluation of property. He also cited a preliminary examination reportedly conducted at the police headquarters level, which, according to him, found that the allegations were based on assumptions and personal perceptions rather than substantive evidence.

Gupta retired as Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary on May 31 and assumed charge as Chairperson of the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission on June 3.

Sharma Calls FIR 'Unwarranted'

Responding to the FIR, Vinay Sharma criticized the police action and termed it an example of "andher nagri, chopat raja."

Speaking to PTI, Sharma questioned the timing of the case, stating that the complaint filed by him months earlier remained pending while he had now been booked in a matter that was allegedly under consideration before the High Court.

The matter is expected to have legal and political ramifications as investigations proceed and the allegations are tested through the judicial process.