An FIR has been registered against Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh Rana following allegations that he physically assaulted Achal Jindal, a senior National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official, during an on-site inspection in Shimla district. The incident reportedly involved Singh allegedly smashing Jindal's head with a pot in front of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate. The assault has drawn condemnation from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who described the attack as "deeply reprehensible" and an affront to the rule of law. Gadkari has taken serious cognizance of the matter, spoken with Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and warned that continued inaction could prompt the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to reassess ongoing and future national highway projects in the state. The NHAI has also warned that such attacks could stall highway projects. Opposition leaders, including Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, have demanded the minister's dismissal. Anirudh Singh has denied the assault allegations, claiming the incident did not occur and alleging misconduct by NHAI officials, with locals reportedly filing a counter FIR against the NHAI staff for abusive behavior. The case has attracted widespread media attention and political criticism, with calls for criminal prosecution from former NHAI chairman Raghav Chandra. Another Himachal Pradesh minister, Vikramaditya Singh, acknowledged the incident was inappropriate and assured that justice would be served. The alleged assault took place near the site of a collapsed five-storey residential building, adding to the gravity of the situation.