Munish Sood
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Assembly witnessed chaos on Thursday (March 20, 2025) as the opposition BJP stormed the House over the mysterious death of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, an official of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL).
While the government claimed to have taken strict action, including filing an FIR against HPPCL managing director Harikesh Meena and Director Desh Raj, contradictions in the official complaint have raised serious concerns.
Discrepancies in FIR spark controversy
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, while talking to media outside the Vidhan Sabha, alleged that FIR registered on Wednesday did not directly name the accused, listing them as “unknown”.
However, the statement section mentions Director Desh Raj’s name while the MD’s name is referenced without specifying a name, he alleged. The “discrepancy” led to heated exchanges in the Assembly.
BJP MLA Randhir Sharma pointed out the alleged irregularities, questioning why only one official’s name appeared while the other was mentioned solely by designation.
“If an IAS officer is investigating another IAS officer, how can we expect an impartial probe? Given the working of the HPPCL, this case warrants a CBI investigation,” he argued.
In response, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu defended the FIR, stating that “MD” in the document referred to the officer holding the position at the time of the incident.
Govt accuses BJP of politicising the issue
Amid growing tensions, Cabinet Minister Jagat Singh Negi termed the incident unfortunate but accused the opposition of politicising a tragedy.
“On one hand, a senior official has lost his life and on the other, the opposition is trying to give it a political colour. The government is serious about the matter and has already taken strict action,” he said.
Minister Negi also dismissed the BJP’s demand for a CBI probe, alleging that the agency was politically influenced. “No one trusts the CBI anymore, it is just their (BJP’s) tool. The deceased’s family is satisfied with the government’s action, but the BJP is not — because they only want to play politics,” he remarked.
BJP stages walkout from Assembly
Unhappy with the government’s response, the BJP staged a walkout from the Assembly.
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram accused the government of shielding officers. “We had submitted a proposal to halt all proceedings and discuss this matter, but the CM casually dismissed it. Instead of listening to the victim’s family, the government is pressuring them,” he claimed.
Sources in the police department confirmed that the victim’s family later named MD Meena and Desh Raj in their statements, which could lead to their names being formally added to the FIR. The investigation is ongoing.
Seven-hour protest over the incident
On Wednesday, the victim’s family staged a seven-hour protest in Shimla’s BCS area, keeping the body with them as they demanded justice.
After intense demonstrations, four cabinet ministers arrived at the scene and presented written orders confirming the registration of an FIR, removal of MD Meena from duty and the suspension of Director Desh Raj.
Minister Jagat Singh Negi reiterated the government’s stance, stating that legal action had already been initiated against Meena and Desh Raj.
Other News
High-tech effluent treatment plant at Bulk Drug Park to keep Haroli groundwater safe from pollution
Awareness camp on drug de-addiction held in Bhwarna under Legal Services Committee initiative
Son of Chamba Farmer Cracks Allied Services Exam, Selected as Assistant Excise Taxation & Officer
Himachal weather: Flashfloods cut off Manikaran’s Baladhi village after Parvati river washes away bridge
Work on strategic NH twin tunnels stops in Mandi, construction firm accuses Himachal contractor of political coercion
