Hundreds of BJP workers, joined by members of local NGOs, staged a candlelight march in Palampur town today, demanding a CBI inquiry into the death of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi of Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB). The procession, with workers holding candles, passed through various streets while raising anti-government slogans.
The march culminated in a meeting near Rotary Bhavan, where the general secretary of the state unit of the BJP, Trilok Kapoor, criticised the state government for refusing to order a CBI probe despite public outcry. Kapoor questioned why only one official had been suspended, while the family of the deceased was calling for action against the Managing Director (MD) of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL).
Addressing mediapersons, Kapoor claimed Negi was an honest officer who faced significant pressure at his workplace and was frequently humiliated by Des Raj and the Managing Director of HPPCL. He also raised concerns about the functioning of HPPCL, specifically its Pekhubela solar project in Una district. Kapoor pointed out the project’s cost had soared by Rs 100 crore, from an initial Rs 108 crore in its Detailed Project Report (DPR) to an expected Rs 220 crore on completion. He said a fair and impartial investigation by the CBI would uncover the truth.
Kapoor also criticised the Shimla police for omitting the name of the MD of the HPPCL in the first information report, alleging the government was attempting to shield him. He reiterated the demand from the BJP and other state organisations for the investigation to be handed over to the CBI.
