BJP leaders visited Negi’s ancestral home in Katgaon

Munish Sood

Shimla: A delegation of senior BJP leaders, led by Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur and State BJP President Dr. Rajeev Bindal, visited Negi’s ancestral home in Katgaon to express condolences to his grieving family.

The visit has intensified demands for a CBI inquiry into the case, with Negi’s family and opposition leaders alleging a deeper conspiracy behind his untimely demise.

Family Suspects Foul Play, Demands CBI Probe

Negi’s family, including his mother, wife, brother, and children, told BJP leaders that they believe his death was not a mere accident but the result of a well-planned conspiracy. They demanded a high-level and impartial investigation by the CBI, fearing that an internal probe would be manipulated to hide the truth.

The BJP delegation assured full support to the family and pledged to raise the issue at every level. Jairam Thakur, speaking after the visit, emphasized that Negi’s colleagues, junior officers, and employees also want the case to be handed over to the CBI.

“The people of Himachal Pradesh are demanding justice for Vimal Negi. Everyone wants a CBI investigation—everyone except Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and his ministers. The real question is—why is the Chief Minister afraid of a CBI probe? What is he trying to hide?” Thakur questioned.

He also pointed out that social media is flooded with public outcry for a fair investigation, and the government can no longer ignore the pressure.

Chief Minister’s Statement Sparks Controversy

What has further fueled public anger is the Chief Minister’s dismissive remark on the issue. Initially, CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu avoided commenting on the case, but when he finally did, he brushed aside the concerns, calling it “an exaggerated issue created by the BJP.”

Jairam Thakur strongly condemned this statement, calling it insensitive and unacceptable.

“An honest and upright officer loses his life under suspicious circumstances, and the Chief Minister calls it an exaggeration? This is the height of insensitivity. It clearly shows that the government wants to suppress the truth,” Thakur said.

Link to Pekhubela Solar Project Scandal?

A major twist in the case has emerged with suspicions linking Negi’s death to financial irregularities in the Pekhubela Solar Project.

The project, commissioned in April 2024, was inaugurated by the Chief Minister in June 2024 after delays caused by the election code of conduct. Now, reports suggest that an administrative inquiry committee has sought six months of financial records from the Power Corporation, raising concerns about possible corruption.

“The BJP believes that this investigation should start from the very inception of the Pekhubela project. Since the formation of the Sukhu government, this project has been under scrutiny, and there are serious unanswered questions,” Thakur added.

Law & Order Collapsing in Himachal?

Adding to the rising concerns over governance, Jairam Thakur also criticized the state government over the recent Mandi firing and robbery case.

In a shocking incident, a dhaba owner in Mandi was robbed, shot, and left critically injured. The attackers looted his entire day’s earnings, stole valuables, and fled, leaving the state in shock.

“Himachal Pradesh is known as Devbhoomi. Crimes like these were unheard of in our state, but now they are happening frequently. This proves that law and order has completely collapsed. The government must take strict action to prevent such lawlessness,” Thakur said.

Next Steps: BJP to Explore Legal Options

With the government remaining silent on the demand for a CBI probe, the BJP has announced that it will explore legal options to ensure justice for Vimal Negi’s family.

“If the government does not act, we will stand with the family and ensure that every possible step is taken to uncover the truth,” Thakur asserted.

The BJP delegation that visited Negi’s home included Dr. Rajeev Bindal, MLAs Balveer Verma and D.S. Thakur, Shimla District President Keshav Chauhan, Surat Negi, Ajay Shyam, Kaul Negi, and other party officials.