Breaking: Kullu DC and SP removed following High Court order in Kasol Rave Party case
Shashi Bhushan Purohit
Kullu (Himachal Pradesh), August 5, 2026: The Himachal Pradesh government has removed the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Superintendent of Police (SP) of Kullu from their posts in connection with the Kasol rave party and alleged drug trafficking case.
The administrative action follows strong observations made by the Himachal Pradesh High Court regarding the handling of illegal rave parties and drug-related activities in the Parvati Valley.
According to the government order, Anurag Chandra, who was serving as Kullu Deputy Commissioner, has been directed to report to the Personnel Department with immediate effect. The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADM), Kullu, will hold the additional charge of the Deputy Commissioner.
Similarly, Madan Lal Kaushal, who was serving as Kullu Superintendent of Police, has been directed to report to the Police Headquarters. Abhishek S., a 2019-batch IPS officer, has been appointed as the new SP of Kullu.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court had taken a serious view of allegations concerning illegal rave parties, an alleged drug network and administrative negligence in Kasol and the Parvati Valley. The court had directed the transfer of the concerned officials and ordered departmental action, registration of an FIR and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.
However, the Supreme Court later granted an interim stay on the implementation of the High Court’s directions related to the registration of an FIR, the SIT investigation and departmental action. The removal of the Kullu DC and SP has nevertheless been carried out as an administrative decision.