he Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Thursday witnessed a heated confrontation between the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP over the controversial death of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer of the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL). The BJP, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Negi’s death and the functioning of HPPCL, staged a walkout, raising slogans against the government.
The issue was brought to the forefront when BJP legislators moved an adjournment motion under Rule 67, seeking clarity on the steps taken by the Government to investigate Negi’s death. However, the motion was rejected by the Speaker, who stated that the government had already provided detailed information on the matter. Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur criticized the government’s handling of the case, pointing out that while Desh Raj, HPPCL’s Director (Electrical), had been suspended, no action had been taken against the Managing Director Harikesh Meena.
Thakur alleged irregularities in the Shongtong Hydro Power and Pekhubela Power projects since the Congress government assumed office. He also claimed that Negi had been under immense work pressure, which raised questions about the circumstances leading to his death. “Only a CBI inquiry can ensure a fair and impartial investigation,” Thakur asserted.
In response, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu defended the government’s actions, stating that Negi’s family was satisfied with the steps taken so far. He also criticized the BJP for its failure to act during its tenure when seven people died after consuming illicit liquor. This sharp retort further escalated tensions, prompting the BJP to walk out of the Assembly while raising slogans against the government.
The controversy stems from the tragic death of Vimal Negi, who went missing on March 10 and was found dead in Bilaspur on Tuesday. Negi’s wife has alleged that her husband’s death was not a suicide but a murder, claiming he was overworked, denied holidays, and harassed despite his poor health. She accused senior HPPCL officials, including Desh Raj and Harikesh Meena, of being responsible for his death.
Following the allegations, Negi’s relatives staged a dharna outside the HPPCL office in Shimla, demanding the suspension of senior officials and a CBI inquiry. The protest continued until late Wednesday night, when the government suspended Desh Raj and assured action against those found guilty. A departmental inquiry has been initiated against Desh Raj under Rule 20 of the HPPCL Conduct, Discipline, and Appeal Rules.
Based on a complaint filed by Negi’s wife, a case has been registered at the New Shimla police station under Sections 108 (abetment to suicide) and 3(5) (joint criminal liability) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Chief Minister Sukhu informed the Assembly that an additional chief secretary-rank officer has been appointed to investigate the incident.
