In a dramatic turn of events surrounding the controversial housing project Chester Hills in Solan, Himachal DGP Ashok Tewari instructed DC Solan to initiate disciplinary and vigilance action against Solan SDM Poonam Bansal, following allegations of misconduct, conflict of interest, and suspected benami transactions Thursday.

SDM Bansal is the same officer who, in her earlier capacity, had established violations of Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972, along with suspected benami transactions by the promoters of the Chester Hills project.

When asked, SDM Bansal said, “Let them carry out the investigation.”

According to information, the development comes following a complaint against SDM Bansal and her husband Sunil Kumar Bansal, who is a BSNL employee, moved by a Chandigarh-based Advocate Sanjeev Kumar Birla.

In his complaint, Birla alleged that the couple were indirectly involved in the purchase of two properties in Solan registered on the names of Aarti Nirmohi and Raksha Manta. Birla alleged that Sunil transferred around Rs 40 lakh in the account of Nirmohi when the land deals were being executed.

In his communication to the DC Solan, DGP Ashok Tewari stated, “The material on record… reveals serious and prima facie misuse of official position, conflict of interest, and possible involvement in benami transactions.”