Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday asserted that the state government is fully prepared to face any form of investigation into the tragic death of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer of the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), even as he lashed out at the BJP for allegedly politicizing the issue.
Sukhu, addressing media persons in Shimla, said: “If the Enforcement Directorate (ED) can conduct raids in Nadaun, who is stopping the CBI from probing the Vimal Negi case? We have nothing to hide. The state government is committed to a fair, impartial, and transparent inquiry.”
Negi went missing on March 10. His body was recovered eight days later from a water body in Bilaspur district, sending shockwaves across the state. The case took a grim turn after Negi’s wife alleged that her husband had been mentally harassed by senior HPPCL officials and was forced to work late hours despite being unwell. Following her allegations, a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) provisions for abetment to suicide and joint criminal liability was registered against several HPPCL officials.
“Everyone wants to know the truth behind Vimal Negi's death. His wife has also met me, and we stand in full solidarity with the bereaved family,” he said.
Calling out the opposition for allegedly exploiting a personal tragedy for political mileage, Sukhu said: “This is not the time for politics. This is a time to uphold truth, justice, and compassion. The government stands with Vimal Negi’s family in their hour of grief.”
He revealed that the deceased engineer’s wife had met him personally, and the government is determined to support the family while ensuring a meticulous investigation. “We are treating the matter with the utmost sensitivity and seriousness. Every aspect will be looked into, and accountability will be fixed. No one is above the law,” the Chief Minister assured.
