Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Congress Party has formally welcomed the High Court’s decision to transfer the investigation into the mysterious death of HPPCL Chief Engineer Vimal Negi to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). While the party described the move as a “step towards truth and accountability,” it is now facing renewed criticism for what many see as a delayed and opportunistic reaction to a case that has captured public attention and grief.
Speaking to reporters, a senior Congress spokesperson, Naresh Chauhan said, “The High Court’s decision reaffirms faith in the justice system. We believe this CBI inquiry will provide closure to the Negi family and restore public confidence.”
However, that expression of support has been met with skepticism and even outrage, particularly on social media platforms and citizen forums, where users have pointed out the Congress-led state government’s initial silence and apparent inaction during the early days of the case.
Critics accuse the party of failing to acknowledge or act on the Negi family’s repeated appeals for a fair probe. Several commenters alleged that the state government only shifted its stance after mounting legal pressure and public outrage forced the court to intervene.
“Where was Congress when the family cried for justice months ago? Their silence was deafening. Now they want credit for something they resisted until the court stepped in,” wrote one user under the official statement shared online.
Another questioned the integrity of the support: “Is this support for justice, or damage control after being exposed for ignoring harassment claims in a state-run PSU?”
The opposition has echoed similar sentiments, accusing Congress of attempting to “whitewash” a governance failure. A BJP leader remarked that “Congress not only ignored the family’s cries but also presided over a culture of silence and suppression in HPPCL. Their welcome of the CBI probe is too little, too late.”
Despite the political heat, Congress has maintained that it will extend full cooperation to the CBI. Yet, the shadow of earlier inaction continues to loom over its messaging.
As the CBI prepares to re-examine digital evidence and witness testimonies under court monitoring, the Negi case remains not just a test of justice—but a mirror to the political will and responsiveness of those in power when it mattered most.
Sunil Chadha
