Vimal Negi Death Case: Former CM Jairam Thakur Welcomes High Court’s Decision to Hand Over Probe to CBI
Former CM and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur
Mandi, May 23:
Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur has welcomed the High Court’s decision to transfer the investigation into the mysterious death of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation’s Chief Engineer Vimal Negi to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Reacting informally to the media in Janjehli, Mandi, Thakur said he had been demanding a CBI probe into the matter from day one and had also raised the issue on the floor of the Assembly. “Despite repeated pleas from the family, the state government consistently pressured against a CBI investigation. It was only when allegations of evidence tampering surfaced and justice remained elusive that the family was forced to approach the High Court,” he said.
Thakur questioned Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s opposition to the CBI inquiry. “When even the victim’s family was demanding a CBI probe, what was wrong in supporting that demand? The CM must answer,” he added, asserting that several attempts were made to derail the investigation.
Calling the High Court’s verdict commendable, Thakur emphasized that the case should not be viewed merely as a suicide, but also from the angle of possible homicide. “Given the projects associated with this case, there are strong suspicions of massive corruption, with serious allegations involving both senior officials and political figures,” he claimed.
He also raised concerns about the functioning of the state administration. Referring to the court’s direction that no Himachal cadre officers be involved in the CBI investigation, Thakur said, “This clearly points to a lack of coordination within the government machinery. From ministers to senior IAS and IPS officers, the entire system appears to be working in silos under the Sukhu government. The court has rightly excluded Himachal cadre officers to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.”
Thakur concluded by reaffirming his support for the High Court’s decision and expressed hope that a CBI probe would finally bring justice in this sensitive and high-profile case.
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