Shimla: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unit in Himachal on Friday has intensified its demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the suspicious death of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL).
On Friday, a BJP delegation, led by Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, met Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and submitted a memorandum pressing for an independent investigation.
The opposition has accused the state government of mishandling the case, alleging bias and inaction in ensuring justice for Negi’s family.
BJP leaders claimed that Negi was subjected to severe mental stress due to undue pressure from his senior officials regarding financial irregularities in HPPCL.
According to reports, he had been missing since March 10, yet despite his family’s repeated complaints, the police failed to register an FIR. His body was later found in Govind Sagar Lake on March 18, which led to widespread anger among employees and his relatives.
On March 19, HPPCL employees, along with Negi’s family, staged protests, holding Managing Director Harikesh Meena and Director Deshraj directly responsible for his death. Protesters alleged that these officials mentally harassed Negi to such an extent that he was left with no choice but to end his life.
In its memorandum, BJP accused the state government of acting in a biased manner. Jai Ram Thakur stated that only Director Deshraj was suspended, while Managing Director Harikesh Meena was merely removed from his position instead of facing any serious action. He further pointed out that the FIR in the case was registered only after continuous protests by Negi’s family and employees, raising questions about the government’s intent.