‘Protect NHAI Staff Or Else…’: Nitin Gadkari Warns Himachal CM Sukhu Over Officials’ Assault

Last Updated:July 01, 2025, 19:34 IST

Nitin Gadkari's letter said inaction from Himachal government may prompt the Road Ministry to reassess ongoing and future national highway (NH) projects in Himachal Pradesh

Nitin Gadkari expressed deep concern over the assault of NHAI officials.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday wrote to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu condemning an alleged assault on two National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials in Shimla by a state minister during a highway site inspection.

The letter also said that inaction from the state government may prompt the Ministry to reassess ongoing and future national highway (NH) projects in Himachal Pradesh.

Gadkari, expressing deep concern over the incident, asked Sukhu to take immediate action, including a thorough investigation, accountability of local authorities, and enhanced protection for central officials working in the state. “I am writing to express my profound shock and strong condemnation regarding the recent brutal assault on Achal Jindal, Manager (Technical) and site engineer and Yogesh at Bhata Kuffer, Shimla," Gadkari said.

As per reports, he said, both the officials were assaulted by the Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Himachal Pradesh Anirudh Singh during a site inspection related to highway construction works. “It is deeply disturbing that such an assault occurred in presence of concerned SDM and police officials," Gadkari added.

The victims sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Indira Gandhi Medical College & Hospital, Shimla.

Failure of the local administration to intervene and protect the NHAI officers or provide immediate medical assistance to them further compounds the gravity of this incident, he said. This incident, Gadkari said, undermines the dignity and safety of NHAI officers who are committed to the development of road infrastructure in the State. “Such avoidable acts of violence against government officials entrusted with public service must be dealt with the strongest possible action," he said.

DEMANDS IMMEDIATE INTERVENTION

Gadkari urged the CM for immediate intervention in “this grave matter", requesting the government to order a thorough and impartial investigation into this matter. He also said that the state government must ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice swiftly in accordance with the law.

“Fix responsibility of concerned administrative and police officers for their inaction. Provide adequate security and protection to NHAI officials and contractors working in Himachal Pradesh," Gadkari said.

PROJECT REVIEW THREATENED OVER INACTION

Warning against inaction, Gadkari said that his ministry will have to reassess ongoing and future NH projects in Himachal Pradesh. “I expect your prompt and decisive response to this matter to prevent recurrence of such incidents and uphold the sanctity of public service. Continued inaction may prompt the Ministry to reassess ongoing and future projects in Himachal Pradesh, given the importance of ensuring the safety of our officers," he said.

He concluded by saying that he is confident that this matter will be given the appropriate attention.

“I would appreciate it if you could keep us informed of the steps being taken," Gadkari said.

Projects worth more than Rs 40,000 crore are being taken up in Himachal Pradesh by the NHAI – including more than 750 km of roads.

‘HEINOUS ASSAULT’

During the day, Gadkari also posted on X saying that the “heinous assault" on Jindal by the Minister and his associates is deeply reprehensible and an affront to the rule of law. “Such a brutal attack on a public servant performing his official duties not only endangers individual safety but also erodes institutional integrity…Accountability must prevail, and justice must be delivered without delay," he posted on X.

FIR AGAINST MINISTER

A case has already been filed against the Himachal Cabinet Minister for the alleged assault that took place after a multi-storeyed building collapsed at Chamyana in Shimla. It has been alleged that the collapse occurred due to ongoing four-lane construction work of the NHAI.

The Minister has been booked under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including section 121(1) (assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging official duty), 126(5) (wrongful restraint or confinement by a public servant or in the course of official proceedings) and 132 (voluntarily causing hurt).

He is also booked under section 352 (assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation, and 3(2) (liability of abettors when the act is committed by several persons in furtherance of common intention).

Nivedita Singh

Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived...Read More

Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived...

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