On May 30, Gupta lodged a police complaint, accusing Sharma of making false allegations of corruption, abuse of office, benami property holdings, illegal use of funds and administrative interference, and described the claims as malicious and intended to damage his reputation.
After the complaint, an FIR was filed against Sharma under BNS sections 248 (fabricated or baseless criminal charges with the explicit intent to injure or harass someone), 351 (Criminal Intimidation) and 356(2) (criminal defamation), police said on Friday.
Gupta, who retired as chief secretary on May 31 and took charge as Chairperson of the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) on June 3, 2026, had in his complaint filed at Chhota Shimla Police Station said Sharma’s complaint on March 24, 2026, was not supported by facts, legal provisions or documentary evidence.
He alleged that the purpose of the complaint was not only to tarnish his personal image but also to undermine the dignity of the state’s highest administrative office.
Pointing out irregularities in the Chester Hill project in the Solan district, Sharma had raised questions regarding a land transaction and alleged misuse of official position.
Rejecting the allegations, Gupta maintained that the land purchase was carried out strictly in accordance with legal procedures.
Gupta asserted that allegations of benami ownership or concealment of the transaction were baseless. He further pointed out that the property was registered in July 2025, whereas he assumed charge as Chief Secretary only on October 1, 2025.
The former chief secretary also clarified that nearly Rs 75 lakh used for the purchase was withdrawn from his bank account through legitimate channels and that details of the funds were available in official records. He alleged that no evidence had been produced to support claims of illegal income, corruption or money laundering.
Gupta also refuted allegations of undervaluation of property and said that a preliminary examination conducted at the police headquarters level had reportedly found that the allegations were based on assumptions, suspicions and personal perceptions rather than substantive evidence.
Responding to Gupta filing a case against him, Sharma, while speaking to PTI, termed it a glaring example of “andheer nagri, chopat raja” (confused ruler, a chaotic state).
“The police are still sitting on the complaint filed by me three months back, and today, I am being booked in a case which is under consideration by the high court,” Sharma said, calling it “unwarranted”.
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