Tension Rises in Himachal as Negi Probe Sparks Political Debate

The Himachal Pradesh assembly witnessed a fervent debate as Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressed a call for a CBI investigation into Vimal Negi's death. While Negi's wife trusts the state probe, a protest by the Opposition BJP and family demands justice, questioning the probe's fairness.

In a heated session of the Himachal Pradesh assembly on Monday, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted the ongoing controversy surrounding the investigation into the death of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer at the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL). Sukhu addressed calls for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, emphasizing the trust placed by Negi's wife in the state-led inquiry.

The Chief Minister pointed out that contrary to former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur's claims that Negi's family sought a CBI inquiry, Negi's wife was supportive of the state's investigation, giving it a 15-day timeframe to deliver results. Sukhu thanked her for her confidence, stating, 'Our government operates with transparency and honesty.'

The political dimension of the case intensified as the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded a CBI investigation, questioning the integrity of the ongoing state-led probe. This development follows a protest by Negi's relatives and HPPCL employees, who accused high-ranking officials of causing mental harassment that led to Negi's tragic death, after he was found in Govind Sagar Lake following his disappearance since March 10.

(With inputs from agencies.)