Even as Vijay Singh, the man accused of shooting dead Assistant Town Planner, Shail Bala during the demolition drive in Kasauli on 1 May was on Friday sent on five day Police remand by the court in Kasauli, Chief Minister, Jai Ram Thakur broke his silence and admitted lapses in the demolition drive.

The Himachal Police, which had nabbed the accused from Mathura on Thursday evening with the assistance of Delhi Police, produced him at the court in the morning and later took him to Dharampur Police station for interrogation.

A police high up said the weapon used in the crime has been recovered on the basis of disclosure statement of Vijay Singh.

“It’s an unfortunate incident. They should have checked the licensed weapons in the area beforehand and seized them,” CM told media persons.

He said the Police was engaged in the adjacent building, when the incident took place.

“The accused ran away after shooting the officer dead, but was caught also yesterday after a hunt of two-days,” he said, referring to it as a lesson for the government to learn.

He hastened to add that the government had immediately taken best possible action after the incident.

“We have taken note of lapses prima facie and have sent the Station House Officers (SHOs) concerning to the Police lines, have shifted the Superintendent of Police, Solan and the Sub Divisional Police Officer, Parwanoo. An inquiry has also been ordered by Divisional Commissioner, who will submit his report early. The inquiry report will make the things clearer,” CM said.

He said the government will follow the orders of the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal strictly. “We have filed one status report in the Supreme Court and will file another on 9 May,” he said.

He said the government has decided to confer Himachal Gaurav award to the deceased officer, Shail Bala posthumously, has given Rs Five Lakh as immediate relief to her family.

“Besides, her family will keep getting her salary and service benefits till she was supposed to retire,” he said.

The SC had directed the HP government to demolish unauthorised structures in 13 hotels in Kasauli and Dharampur areas of Solan on 17 April.

Vijay Singh had allegedly shot Shail Bala dead when she had come to demolish the illegal portion of his Narayani Guest House, to implement the order of the SC. He had later disappeared in the nearby forest.

The demolition drive in Kasauli was restored on 2 May and continues with additional Police force now.