‘Missing pen drive, no forensic examination, probe officials on leave’: BJP MLA Sudhir targets Sukhu govt in Vimal Negi death case

Dharamshala:
BJP leader and Dharamshala MLA Sudhir Sharma has levelled serious allegations against the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Himachal Pradesh government regarding its investigation into the death of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, claiming probe agencies have “lost a pen drive” recovered from Negi’s body, and that forensic examination of his clothes was not conducted.

At a press conference held in Dharamshala, Sudhir said, “State investigation agencies didn’t conduct a forensic investigation of Vimal Negi’s clothes. They lost the pen drive found there. This is the reason why we were demanding a CBI inquiry into the case.”

Questions over investigation team

He further alleged that officials involved in the investigation are unwilling to participate and have taken leave to avoid involvement. “Many of them say that they don’t want to be part of a process where facts are being concealed,” he alleged.

Sudhir also highlighted concerns over the Pekhubela and Shongtong power projects, stating that these were under scrutiny and had been repeatedly questioned in public forums. Despite this, he claimed that the government has not initiated any inquiry into these matters.

Demand for CBI probe again in focus

The death of Vimal Negi has sparked significant controversy in Himachal Pradesh. Negi, who had been missing since March 10, 2025, was found dead in Gobind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur district.

His family and colleagues have alleged that he was under immense pressure from his seniors. The state government ordered an inquiry by an Additional Chief Secretary and removed two senior HPPCL officials from their positions pending investigation.

The BJP has been vocal in demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Negi’s death, citing concerns over the impartiality of the state-led investigation and the need for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the case.

S Gopal Puri