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Already on bail, CM Virbhadra gets another setback from High Court in IT-returns case
The entire ‘bumper crop” episode was just a fabrication. As per allegations, it implies that there were no additional apples produce in fact. If there were no apples, then nothing was transported to the market and nothing was sold.
Shimla: The HP Assembly polls are around the corner but the Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, who has already been on target of multiple investigation agencies, opposition, and even a group of own party-men over the alleged corrupted charges, did not appear to find any respite from any side.
The only relief had come in May 2017, when the Central Bureau of Investigation court had granted Virbhadra and his wife Pratibha Singh in nearly Rs 10 crore disproportionate assets case.
Now, as an another jolt, the state High Court on October 5, 2017, rejected Chief Minister’s plea challenging the orders passed by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT).
On March 18, 2014, the Income Tax Commissioner had rejected the fresh assessment of income tax returns of the Chief Minister pertaining to the 2009-2010 financial year.
Previous to 2009, the CM’s returns were between Rs 10 lakhs-Rs 20 lakhs. But in 2012, Singh filed revised income tax returns of Rs 6.5 crore from agricultural income over a period of three years ( Rs 2.21 crore in 2009-’10, Rs 2.8 crore in 2010-’11, and Rs 1.55 crore in 2011-’12.)
The assessing authority had accepted the revised returns, but the IT Department did not.
The CM had claimed the rise in income was a result of a bumper harvest of the apple crop.
The allegations said the documents showed that apples were shipped on scooters, oil tankers and motorcycles to a non-functional market. These apples were then sold to unknown firms with non-existent addresses.
In nutshell, the investigating agencies allege that the entire ‘bumper crop” episode was just a fabrication. As per allegations, it implies that there were no additional apples produce in fact. If there were no apples, then nothing was transported to the market and nothing was sold.
The allegations are that the Chief Minister tried to convert his black money into white by showing it as agricultural income.
The CM challenged the orders in IT Commissioner. On December 8, 2016, the Tribunal too upheld the Commissioner’s order.
The CM moved the High Court with a plea to quash the ITAT orders. However, now the court has also upheld the ITAT orders.
On rejection of the revised income tax returns filed by him, Virbhadra had termed it a “politically motivated” move. Virbhadra Singh had been maintaining that these cases are falsely framed to damage his political reputation.
Virbhadra had even alleged that the Income-tax Tribunal was set up by the Union Finance minister Arun Jaitley and two special judges were sent from Delhi to hear his case.
Recently, the CM had remarked that Prime Minister Narender Modi loves him so much that he has engaged three investigation agencies to probe one case against him.
He had maintained that he would file an appeal in the High Court and also in the Supreme Court if the need arose.
Other than the IT-Department, the Central Bureau of Investigation had also filed a FIR against the CM based on these allegations.
Th Enforcement Directorate (ED) under union finance ministry followed the development and registered a case of money laundering against him, his wife and others in 2015. The ED alleged that Virbhadra Singh used “bogus entries” for transfer of the ill-gotten money.
In September 2017, a special court had confirmed the attachment of this farmhouse worth 27. 29 crore located in Dera Mandi near Mehrauli of south Delhi area under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The political campaigns of the opposition have been mostly feeding on the corruption charges against the CM. The fresh development in the case is likely to boost the trend.
Photo Courtesy: File Photo/Virbhadra Sing/FB
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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