A controversy has erupted in Himachal Pradesh following allegations that a state minister assaulted a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official. An FIR has been filed against Himachal Pradesh Minister Anirudh Singh, who holds the portfolio of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, after an NHAI official accused him of assault.

According to the complaint, the incident occurred on Monday, June 30, 2025, during a site inspection at Bhattakuffer in Shimla. Achal Jindal, a Technical Manager with NHAI, stated that he and a site engineer, Yogesh, were inspecting the site of a collapsed multi-story building in Chamyana. They were initially scheduled to attend a meeting called by the Shimla SDM to review the building collapse, but the SDM was not present. Jindal and Yogesh then proceeded to Bhatakuffar, where four-laning work was in progress, and encountered Minister Anirudh Singh along with some locals.

The complaint alleges that the Minister had previously inquired about the building collapse near the construction site. Jindal stated that he informed Singh that the building was outside NHAI's jurisdiction and that the state government was responsible for compensation in case of damage, as per their agreement. Jindal further alleges that the Minister began using abusive language and subsequently led him and Yogesh to a room where they were assaulted. He claims that Singh threw a pitcher of water at him, causing injuries and bleeding. When Yogesh tried to intervene, he was also attacked. Jindal stated that despite the presence of the SDM and police, no one came to their aid. Both Jindal and Yogesh were admitted to Indira Gandhi Medical College & Hospital (IGMC) in Shimla for treatment.

The incident has sparked outrage, with the Central Engineering Services Officers' Association urging Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to intervene and ensure justice. The NHAI Engineers' Association has also demanded immediate action against those responsible. Opposition leader Jairam Thakur has called for Minister Singh's dismissal, denouncing the alleged assault as a breakdown of constitutional decorum.

Local residents had blamed the highway construction project for the collapse of the five-story building in Mathu Colony. NHAI, however, maintains that the building was outside their project boundary. The incident has further fueled concerns about the safety and accountability of highway construction projects in the region.

Police have registered an FIR and have begun investigations. The case has been registered under Sections 132, 121 (1), 352, 126 (2) and 3(5) of BNS. Minister Anirudh Singh has so far refused to comment on the matter.