MANDI/KINNAUR
The mysterious death of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation’s Chief Engineer Vimal Negi has snowballed into a major controversy, with his wife Kiran Negi leading a candlelight in Kinnaur on Sunday (April 6, 2025) demanding a CBI investigation.
The political temperature rose further when Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu challenged the BJP, stating the party was politicising the issue, and that “nobody stopped the party from inviting the central agency for probe”.
15-day deadline over, why no SIT report yet, asks wife
During an emotional address at the Kinnaur candlelight march, Kiran Negi revealed she had named three senior officials in her statement to the special investigation team (SIT): Managing Director Harikesh Meena, Director Deshraj and Director (Personnel) Shivam Pratap Singh.
She alleged that these officials subjected her husband to “severe professional harassment” that may have led to his suspicious death.
The SIT, headed by Additional Chief Secretary Omkar Sharma, had promised to submit findings within 15 days. With the deadline having lapsed, why only Director Deshraj had been questioned so far, asked Kiran Negi.
Kiran Negi accused the authorities of shielding the accused, noting that despite the Himachal Pradesh High Court cancelling Deshraj’s bail, “he had been roaming freely in Shimla and even reached Delhi”.
Claims timeline discrepancies raise murder suspicions
Citing the postmortem report, Kiran highlighted critical gaps: “The death occurred between March 13 and 14, but where was he from March 10 to 13?”
She dismissed the police claims of suicide, suggesting possible kidnapping and murder. “If this can happen to a senior officer, nobody is safe,” she stated as protests gained momentum in Kinnaur, Shimla, and other districts.
The BJP has too has demanded a CBI probe, with state president Rajeev Bindal alleging a cover-up. “Why is the Congress government afraid of a central investigation?” he questioned at a Shimla protest.
Kinnaur MLA and Minister Jagat Negi too comes under fire
Kiran Negi also criticised local MLA and state Horticulture and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi for allegedly not showing any support.
“Despite having met him several times in the past, he hasn’t even spared a minute to speak with me now. He is our elected representative. Where is his responsibility now?” she asked.
CM Sukhu remains defiant on police probe
Responding to Kiran Negi’s statement during a media interaction, CM Sukhu said the government had been taking the matter seriously and an investigation was currently underway. He clarified that two separate reports were expected, and only after their submission would any conclusive statement or action be taken.
“We stand firmly with the affected family. The Revenue Minister is in constant touch with them. Neither the family nor anyone else is facing any difficulty, but the BJP is unnecessarily sensationalising the issue and attempting to politicise it. When the BJP can get ED raids conducted in my constituency Nadaun, then why not have this matter investigated by the CBI as well?” he said.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the truth would soon come to light and the government would ensure justice in the case.
Munish Sood
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