First-time MLA and Congress treasurer close to Himachal CM Sukhu raided by ED

Hospitals ‘promoted’ by R S Bali, who enjoys Cabinet-rank posts, and Rajesh Sharma among properties raided in 19 locations

4 min readShimlaUpdated: Aug 1, 2024 02:17 AM IST

Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. (File Photo)

THE TWO Himachal Pradesh leaders who find themselves in the crosshairs of the Enforcement Directorate over allegedly fake Ayushman Bharat ID cards are seen as close to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

While Nagrota Bagwan MLA Raghubir Singh Bali or R S Bali is the son of former Himachal minister G S Bali and holds Cabinet-rank posts in the Sukhu government, Rajesh Sharma is the treasurer of the state Congress.

As per a PTI report, the ED Wednesday raided about 19 locations in Shimla, Kangra, Una, Mandi and Kullu districts of the state, apart from those in Delhi, Chandigarh and Punjab, as part of a money laundering probe into the alleged Ayushman Bharat scheme fraud.

The Fortis Hospital in Kangra “promoted” by Bali’s company Himachal Healthcare Pvt Ltd and the Balaji Hospital in Kangra “promoted” by Sharma were among the properties raided.

R S Bali made his debut in electoral politics with the 2022 Assembly polls, winning the Nagrota Bagwan seat that was once the bastion of his late father, who had represented the constituency four times. His assets placed him among the top three richest Congress candidates in the elections.

Proximity with Sukhu is believed to have got R S Bali the position of Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation and Vice-Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Board, posts with Cabinet-rank status.

A senior Congress leader said that unlike R S Bali, his father was never seen as part of any camp. “The late G S Bali was the kind of leader who was his own person. He had many differences with then senior Congress leader and six-time Himachal CM Virbhadra Singh.”

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Soon after the raids, R S Bali wrote on Facebook: “… on July 29, I went out for two days with my family during my son Riyan’s vacation, and I just learned that some officials came to my residence, Mazdoor Kutiyya. I am returning with my family. We respect the investigation agencies and will fully cooperate with them. I request my Nagrota Bagwan family and everyone connected with us in the state not to worry. When you live a political life, you sometimes have to face such situations.”

Incidentally, before the Lok Sabha elections, R S Bali’s name was floated as a possible candidate from the Kangra parliamentary constituency. He wrote to the high command urging them to first seek the opinion of the people of his constituency. Finally, the idea was dropped and former Union minister Anand Sharma was fielded by the Congress from Kangra, and lost.

Rajesh Sharma, who unsuccessfully contested the 2022 Assembly elections from Dehra, incidentally had a falling out recently with Sukhu when he accused the CM of confining him at his residence in Shimla to ensure that he could not file his nomination for a bypoll for the seat, which was contested and won by Sukhu’s wife Kamlesh Thakur.

However, Sharma was later persuaded to back Thakur, and was by her side when she filed her nomination. He was also an active campaigner for her, with Thakur brushing away questions about his “displeasure” over the ticket to her by referring to him as her “brother”.

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Along with Dehra, the Congress had won Nalagarh seat in the bypolls, thus closing the door conclusively on the BJP’s efforts to topple the Sukhu government.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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