Munish Sood
MANDI: The death of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, who was employed with Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited and had gone missing 10 days ago, has triggered a major controversy in Himachal Pradesh, with the deceased’s family accusing Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Kinnaur MLA and Minister Jagat Singh Negi of insensitivity in handling the matter.
Speaking to the media, an uncle of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi condemned the government’s inaction, alleging that the Chief Minister did not issue a single statement for 10 days while the official remained missing.
It was only after his death was confirmed that the CM expressed his condolences. Calling it “utterly shameful”, he accused the administration of failing to take the disappearance seriously.
‘Minister Jagat Negi also remained silent’
He further slammed Kinnaur MLA and minister Jagat Singh Negi, alleging that he, too, remained silent for five days instead of standing with the grieving family from the very beginning.
“A representative of the people should be the first to step in during such a crisis, but his silence proves that he does not care about his own constituents,” he said.
Power Corporation officials come under scrutiny
Serious questions have also been raised about the role of IAS officer and Secretary Rishikesh Meena and Director Desh Raj. The family pointed out that Chief Engineer Vimal Negi had gone missing from his office in the afternoon, yet his family was not informed until 5 pm.
“What were these officials thinking? Why did they wait so long? If a soldier goes missing for just two hours in the Army, a high alert is declared and search operations begin immediately. But here, these officials remained silent for 10 days as if watching a spectacle,” said the deceased’s uncle.
Family demand CBI investigation
Expressing complete distrust in the state government’s handling of the case, the family has now demanded a CBI probe. “This is not just a case of negligence, but it is a murder that needs to be thoroughly investigated. We have no faith in this government’s so-called inquiry. Only a CBI investigation can reveal the truth and bring the culprits to justice,” he said.
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