BJP Demands CBI Probe into Vimal Negi Case

Calls for Suspension of Both HPPCL Officers
Shimla, March 21, 2025: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its attack on the Congress government over the suspicious death of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd. (HPPCL). In a strong move, Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur and BJP State President Dr. Rajeev Bindal led a delegation to submit a memorandum to Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case.

BJP has questioned the impartiality of the ongoing state-led inquiry, arguing that “how can one IAS officer investigate another IAS officer?” The party emphasized that the FIR should name both officials responsible instead of just mentioning the position of one. The BJP has also demanded that the newly appointed MD of HPPCL should also be named in the investigation.

Speaking to the media, Jairam Thakur stated, “The BJP legislature party has brought this case to the Governor’s attention. Vimal Negi had been missing for several days, and despite his family’s complaints, no FIR was filed. His body was found in Govind Sagar Lake on March 18. On March 19, HPPCL employees and Negi’s family held Managing Director Harikesh Meena and Director Desh Raj accountable, claiming that they pressured Negi into wrongful activities, leading to his mental distress.”

As the protest escalated, Negi’s family and HPPCL employees placed his body outside the corporation’s office, demanding immediate suspension of the accused officials. Under pressure, the state government suspended Director Desh Raj but merely transferred MD Harikesh Meena instead of suspending him.

The BJP is now demanding the following actions:

1. The FIR must explicitly name both accused officers.
2. A CBI investigation should be conducted into the case, as well as the financial activities of HPPCL over the past two years.

BJP has accused the Congress government of shielding corrupt officials and has vowed to escalate protests if their demands are not met.