Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur Meets Family of Vimal Negi, Demands CBI Inquiry
Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur reached to meet the family
Shimla, March 20 – The tragic death of Himachal Power Corporation’s Chief Engineer, Vimal Negi, has continued to fuel widespread protests and public outcry in the state. On March 20, Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur visited the site of the Chakka Jam protest, where the family of Negi, along with several protesters, had gathered outside the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation (HPPCL) office in Shimla. The family has been demanding justice following the suspicious circumstances surrounding Negi’s death, which was discovered on March 18 after he had gone missing for several days.
Thakur took the time to speak with the grieving family, offering his support and expressing solidarity with their demand for a fair and thorough investigation into the case. During the meeting, the family and protesters reiterated their calls for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry and stated that they would not end their protest until three top officials of the Power Corporation were suspended.
Family’s Demands and Allegations
The situation surrounding Negi’s death has become increasingly controversial, with the family accusing higher-ups within the Power Corporation of harassing the late engineer. His relatives claim that Negi had been subjected to undue pressure to carry out wrongful actions, which ultimately led to his mental distress and tragic death. The family, along with some employee organizations, has identified several officials they believe may have played a role in the situation, and they are calling for swift action against these individuals.
The family’s demands have been clear: they are calling for an impartial investigation by a central agency, such as the CBI, and have insisted that the three top officials of the Power Corporation, whom they believe were responsible for the harassment, be suspended until the investigation is completed.
In a statement to the media, Jairam Thakur emphasized the importance of an unbiased investigation into the matter. He expressed concern over the government’s response so far, calling it “surprising” that the state authorities had not taken immediate and firm action. Thakur assured the protesters that the BJP would continue to press the issue. “We have already demanded a CBI inquiry in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly for a fair and transparent investigation, and we will raise this matter again tomorrow. Additionally, we plan to meet with the Governor and the Central Government to ensure that the investigation is handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation,” Thakur said.
Protest and Growing Public Support
The Chakka Jam protest, where the family is sitting with Negi’s body, has gained significant attention, with opposition parties and employee unions showing their support. The protesters have vowed to remain at the site until their demands are met, highlighting the growing frustration and anger at the perceived lack of urgency from the state government in addressing the case.
The family’s insistence on a CBI inquiry underscores the lack of trust they have in a local investigation. They believe that without external intervention, the investigation could be influenced or hindered by powerful individuals within the Power Corporation. In addition to the suspension of the three top officials, the family has requested that action be taken against those responsible for creating the hostile work environment that allegedly led to Vimal Negi’s mental distress.
Government’s Response and Next Steps
The Himachal Pradesh government has been under increasing pressure to act swiftly and impartially in the case. The state has already appointed Omkar Sharma, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home and Revenue Department, to lead the investigation, with instructions to submit a report within 15 days. However, as protests continue and public anger grows, the demand for a CBI inquiry has intensified.
In a bid to prevent any potential interference in the investigation, the state government has already taken steps to remove the Managing Director (MD) of the Power Corporation, Harikesh Meena, and Director (Electrical) Deshraj from their positions. Rakesh Prajapati, a 2012-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the new MD, while Director (Civil) Surendra Kumar has been given additional charge of the Electrical Department. Despite these administrative changes, protesters and family members are calling for more concrete actions to ensure that justice is served.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation continues, the spotlight remains on the government’s handling of the case and whether the demands of the family and opposition will be met. With Jairam Thakur and other BJP leaders vowing to escalate the issue and push for a CBI inquiry, the pressure on the state government to ensure a transparent and fair investigation is mounting.
The case of Vimal Negi’s death has become a symbol of the larger concerns about workplace harassment, the treatment of employees within state-run corporations, and the need for accountability. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the authorities to ensure that justice is done for Negi and his grieving family.
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