Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has come out strongly against the BJP’s attempt to politicize the tragic death of Vimal Negi, the Chief Engineer of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL). In a statement that has stirred political debates across the state, Sukhu addressed the media today, accusing BJP leaders of using Negi’s unfortunate demise as a tool to gain political mileage. The issue, which has now caught the attention of the Himachal High Court and political circles, is rooted in serious allegations regarding the internal dynamics of the state police and concerns over the investigation into Negi’s death.
Vimal Negi’s death has rocked the state government, not only because of the shocking nature of the incident but also due to the mounting political pressures surrounding it. The state government, under Chief Minister Sukhu, has confirmed that it will not appeal against the Himachal High Court’s order to hand over the investigation of the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). While the BJP has been vocal in calling for an independent inquiry, Sukhu pointed out that Negi’s family had never formally requested a CBI probe, nor had they approached him for such an investigation. The Chief Minister assured the public, however, that the state government would cooperate fully with the CBI to ensure that the family gets justice.
The controversy surrounding Vimal Negi’s death has been further fueled by allegations of internal discord among senior police officers. Chief Minister Sukhu acknowledged that there had been internal issues within the police force during the investigation, which has led to discrepancies in the reports filed by different officers. According to Sukhu, the Himachal High Court had been kept updated on the developments in the case, and the government was determined to maintain transparency throughout the process. He stated unequivocally, “Any act of indiscipline by police officers will not be tolerated,” signaling that disciplinary action would be taken against any officer found guilty of misconduct.
The allegations levied by Shimla’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SP) Sanjeev Gandhi have added a layer of complexity to the case. Gandhi has accused several senior officers, including the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), Additional Chief Secretary, and two Deputy Commissioners, of irregularities and mishandling of the investigation. This has sparked a political firestorm, with the BJP seizing the opportunity to demand accountability. Chief Minister Sukhu, however, has stated that he would review the situation thoroughly before taking any decisions regarding the allegations.
Sukhu also touched upon the personal pressures that Negi may have faced during his tenure as the Chief Engineer of HP Power Corporation. He pointed out that Negi had only joined the position in June 2024, and it was unclear what specific stressors he might have encountered during his brief stint. Sukhu made it clear that the state government was committed to ensuring that Negi’s family receives justice, adding that the BJP’s focus on politicizing the matter detracts from the real issue – the loss of a valuable life.
The Chief Minister further criticized BJP leaders, particularly the Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, for shifting the focus away from the circumstances surrounding Negi’s death. Sukhu accused the BJP of turning a sensitive issue into a political one, with little regard for the grieving family. He stated that it was only natural for the Negi family to question the investigation, especially when conflicting reports from three different officers were presented. Sukhu also revealed that he had rejected the advice of DGP Atul Verma, who suggested forming a new Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case. The Chief Minister asked the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Onkar Sharma whether the officers’ versions, which had been criticized by Negi’s family, were adequately addressed in the investigation.
The situation has escalated further, with allegations from the BJP related to the Pekhubela solar power plant project, which was raised in the Himachal Vidhan Sabha in December 2024. Sukhu dismissed these allegations as baseless and emphasized that full details regarding the claims were presented in the legislature, implying that the opposition was trying to divert attention from the real issue at hand.
As the investigation into Vimal Negi’s death continues under the scrutiny of the CBI, political tensions are running high. The incident has not only raised questions about the integrity of the state police and the handling of sensitive investigations but also highlighted the growing divide between the ruling Congress government and the opposition BJP. Amidst these political storms, the real concern remains the justice that Vimal Negi’s family deserves, and how the state government and its institutions will work towards that goal.
#HimachalPolitics #VimalNegiDeath #JusticeForNegi #CBIInvestigation #PoliticalTensions
Auto web generated news story.
