Shimla, June 20
The Himachal Pradesh Police Headquarters has issued a damage charge notice for more than ₹1.80 lakh to DIG Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi for allegedly failing to vacate the official residence allotted to the SP, Shimla, after leaving the post.
According to the notice issued by the office of the Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tiwari, Gandhi relinquished charge as SP Shimla on 7 February 2026 and was required to vacate the government accommodation by 6 March 2026 as per service rules. However, the residence has reportedly not been vacated so far.
The notice states that a damage charge of ₹1,80,286.09 has been calculated for March, April and May 2026 at the rate of ₹18 per square foot under the applicable rules. The amount has been directed to be deposited immediately; failing which, recovery will be made from Gandhi’s salary.
The police headquarters has also warned that additional charges will continue to be imposed from 1 June 2026 until the accommodation is vacated. Gandhi has been instructed to hand over possession of the residence to the current SP Shimla, Gaurav Singh.
The notice stated that under Rule 10(2) of the Himachal Pradesh Government Accommodation Allotment Rules, 1994, an officer is required to vacate government accommodation within one month of a transfer or relinquishment of charge. The permission to retain the residence expired on 6 March 2026, according to the department.
The DGP office had earlier issued a vacation notice on 12 May 2026, but the accommodation was reportedly still occupied. The latest notice warned that failure to comply could lead to eviction proceedings under the Himachal Pradesh Public Premises and Land Act, 1971.
As per the notice, the 3,568.88-square-foot residence incurred damage charges of ₹51,806.35 for 25 days in March and ₹1,28,479.74 for April and May, bringing the total amount payable up to 31 May 2026.
Meanwhile, DIG Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi said he had not received any notice so far. He alleged that the matter was an attempt to damage his reputation and described it as defamatory, adding that he would challenge it in court.
Gandhi was allotted the residence during his tenure as SP Shimla. After his promotion to DIG in January 2026, he relinquished the SP post in Shimla in February, while Gaurav Singh took over as the new SP and is now entitled to the official accommodation.
