Political Stir Erupts Over Death of HPPCL Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, Opposition Demands CBI Inquiry
Shimla, March 19, 2025:
The death of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, whose body was recovered from the Bhakra Dam in Bilaspur on March 18 after he went missing on March 10, has sparked a political storm in the state. While the authorities have been investigating the incident, the opposition has demanded a CBI inquiry, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and death.
Negi’s tragic death has left many unresolved questions that have now turned into political firestorms. His disappearance, followed by the discovery of his body in the Bhakra Dam reservoir, has raised suspicions among opposition leaders, with some even suggesting foul play. They have demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter to rule out any possibility of foul play.
Opposition Leaders Raise Allegations Against HPPCL Management
Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, speaking to the press after the body was found, voiced strong concerns about the functioning of HPPCL. Thakur remarked that recent questions had been raised about the management of HPPCL, and the disappearance of a senior officer like Vimal Negi further complicated matters. He emphasized that Negi’s wife and several HPPCL employees had made serious allegations against the corporation’s management, which only added to the need for a thorough investigation.
“Given the nature of the allegations, it is essential that an impartial investigation is conducted. To ensure transparency and fairness, the government should order a CBI inquiry into the matter,” Thakur said. He added that only a CBI investigation could clarify whether Negi’s death was a suicide, a tragic accident, or if there were any other, more sinister factors at play.
Calls for a High-Level Inquiry
Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, a member of the state government, also expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident. He called the discovery of Negi’s body a “serious matter” and underscored the need for clarity regarding the sequence of events leading to his death.
The Revenue Minister mentioned that he had spoken to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu about the incident. “After the recovery of the body, it is natural for many questions to arise. The Chief Minister has been informed about the situation, and a high-level inquiry should be conducted so that the truth behind this incident can be uncovered,” Jagat Singh Negi said.
The state’s ruling government has yet to respond formally to the opposition’s demand for a CBI probe, but the political heat is expected to intensify in the coming days as more details of the investigation unfold.
Serious Allegations and Growing Suspicion
In the wake of Vimal Negi’s death, several HPPCL employees and family members have raised suspicions about the corporation’s internal workings. Allegations have been made that Negi may have been under significant pressure due to his position and the ongoing operations at the corporation, which is responsible for many critical projects in the state.
While official statements have so far suggested that his disappearance may have been related to personal or professional stress, the recovery of his body in the Bhakra Dam has only deepened the mystery. His family has expressed concerns over the circumstances of his death, claiming that there may be more to the story than what the initial investigation suggests.
Political Fallout and Growing Tensions
The political fallout from the incident has been swift. The opposition, led by Jairam Thakur, is seizing upon the issue to question the state government’s handling of public sector entities like HPPCL, with many alleging a lack of transparency and accountability in the functioning of government organizations.
Jairam Thakur further claimed that such an incident pointed to deeper issues within the state machinery, especially with respect to the management of vital infrastructure and public sector enterprises. His call for a CBI investigation is gaining traction as both the opposition and some sections of the public demand answers to what they see as a suspicious and unresolved tragedy.
The Need for a Transparent Investigation
As the investigation into Vimal Negi’s death continues, there is mounting pressure on both the state government and HPPCL to ensure that the truth is uncovered. A transparent and unbiased inquiry will be critical in restoring public trust and ensuring that justice is served.
While the government has promised a high-level inquiry into the matter, the opposition remains firm in its demand for a CBI investigation, arguing that only an external, impartial agency can ensure that all angles are explored thoroughly. Whether or not the Chief Minister and the state government will accede to this demand remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Vimal Negi’s untimely death has opened a Pandora’s box of questions that need to be answered.
As the political stir surrounding the case grows, the spotlight remains firmly on the investigation into the circumstances leading to the tragic loss of a senior official at HPPCL, and the calls for justice from both his family and the political opposition.
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