BJP bigwigs reach Katgaon, back Vimal Negi’s family; demand CBI probe into HPPCL officer’s mysterious death
Katgaon (Kinnaur), March 23:
Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, along with BJP State President Dr. Rajiv Bindal, reached Katgaon village in Kinnaur on Saturday to meet the grieving family of Vimal Negi, an officer in Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), whose mysterious death has triggered massive outrage in the tribal district.
Accompanied by senior party leaders, Jai Ram and Bindal stood in solidarity with the family and demanded a CBI probe, openly rejecting the ongoing inquiry led by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Onkar Chand Sharma.
"It is just a bureaucratic formality. We don't trust it. Only a CBI investigation can unravel the real conspiracy behind Vimal's death," said Jai Ram Thakur while consoling the family and promised support and solidarity with the family to give them justice.
Vimal’s mother and wife Kiran Negi broke down inconsolably, accusing the authorities of shielding the real culprits.
"Had we not raised our voice, even the small action taken till now wouldn’t have happened. Still, the main accused—HPPCL MD H. Meena, and Director Personnel & Finance Shivam Pratap Singh—have not been named in the FIR," cried Kiran, urging leaders to stand by them till they get justice.
Locals alleged that Vimal Negi was under constant pressure after he raised red flags over financial irregularities in a multi-crore project. Shockingly, his death was first brushed aside as suicide,’ and it was only after protests and their support that a probe was ordered.
Even Kinnaur’s Congress MLA Jagat Singh Negi, while speaking to the media, admitted that the case has shaken the faith of people. "I too feel the need for a high-level inquiry. If the family is not satisfied, the government must hand over the case to CBI. We can’t let the guilty go scot-free, whoever they may be," said Jagat Singh Negi.
The Opposition warned the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government of a bigger agitation if the case is not handed over to CBI soon.
"This is no ordinary death; it smells of a deep-rooted scam and murder. We will take this fight to the streets," said Bindal.
Meanwhile, the tribal district is simmering with anger, with people alleging that the HPPCL top brass is being shielded due to their political connections.
The family has made it clear—they want nothing less than a CBI probe.
