Jairam Thakur Slams Sukhu Government’s Handling of Vimal Negi’s Death, Calls for CBI Inquiry
Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur and BJP MLAs walk out of the House
Shimla, March 20, 2025 – In a tense exchange in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur strongly criticized the state government for its reluctance to engage in a discussion regarding the suspicious death of Vimal Negi, the Chief Engineer of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL). The BJP MLAs walked out of the House after their request to discuss the matter through an adjournment motion under Rule 67 was rejected by the Speaker.
Talking to media representatives after the walkout, Jairam Thakur expressed surprise and concern over what he called the government’s attempt to avoid a thorough investigation into the tragic incident. Thakur accused the government of deliberately avoiding a discussion on the death of Negi, and further claimed that the authorities were trying to cover up their own failures regarding the case.
“It is shocking that the government is running away from a discussion on the death of such an important official,” said Thakur. “Instead of addressing the demands for a fair investigation, the government is using its power to protect those responsible.” He further pointed out that the Chief Minister’s dismissive attitude on the matter and the pressure applied on the victim’s family to end their protest only raised suspicions regarding the government’s involvement or negligence.
Negi was found dead on March 19, after going missing on March 10. His body was recovered from Govind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur, with the identification made through his driving license. His family and colleagues have consistently demanded a CBI inquiry, alleging that senior officials within HPPCL harassed Negi, possibly contributing to his death. However, Thakur remarked that the government had shown no interest in initiating such an investigation, despite calls for transparency and justice.
The family of the deceased had staged a protest outside the Power Corporation’s office, demanding a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Negi’s death. The BJP has fully supported their demand for a CBI probe, as they believe only an impartial investigation by the country’s most trusted agency can uncover the truth.
Thakur also shared details from his visit to the grieving family, where they named several senior HPPCL officials they accused of subjecting Negi to undue pressure. “The family has made serious allegations, including accusations of harassment and forcing Negi to take unethical actions. It’s clear that certain officials were involved, but the government is protecting them,” Thakur stated.
He went on to question the government’s motives behind not including the names of all the alleged officers in the FIR, saying, “The police have only included one name in the FIR, despite the family’s insistence on naming others involved. The government’s reluctance to take action against these officers is deeply troubling.”
Thakur also highlighted a pattern of questionable practices within HPPCL, suggesting that some senior officers had been promoted despite opposition from their subordinates. He raised concerns about the government’s favoritism toward these officers, pointing out that promotions had been granted to individuals by bypassing other deserving candidates. “What is the reason behind this favoritism? Why are officers who are opposed by employees being promoted over their senior colleagues? This issue needs to be addressed,” he questioned.
The Leader of Opposition further criticized the government for its delay in acting on the case, particularly during the search for Vimal Negi. Thakur claimed that the police did not make sufficient efforts to find Negi after he went missing, forcing the family to repeatedly approach the Chief Minister for help. He alleged that the state government’s response was negligent and inadequate, especially given Negi’s significant role within the state’s power corporation.
“The way the government has handled this case is disappointing,” Thakur remarked. “Negi was a hardworking and dedicated officer, and the government’s treatment of this matter has been insensitive. From negligence in the search to the refusal for a CBI inquiry, it is clear the government is not acting in the best interests of the family or the state.”
Thakur vowed that the BJP would continue to raise the issue, both in the Assembly and on the streets, until justice is served. He expressed confidence that public pressure would eventually force the government to take the necessary steps to ensure a fair investigation into the tragic death of Vimal Negi.
The BJP’s support for a CBI inquiry and the family’s demand for transparency indicate that this case will likely remain a major political issue in Himachal Pradesh, with both the state government and the opposition facing mounting scrutiny.
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