Bilaspur firing, Missing Engineer, and Pro-Khalistan posters dominate Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha proceedings

Shimla March 18,

The Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday witnessed heated discussions on multiple crime-related issues, including the Bilaspur firing incident involving former Congress MLA Bamber Thakur, the mysterious disappearance of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, and the controversy over pro-Khalistan posters on HRTC buses in Punjab.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who also holds the Home portfolio, provided a detailed response on these matters, assuring the House that the government is taking necessary action. The opposition, led by Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, strongly criticized the law-and-order situation, alleging government negligence.

On March 14, 2025, a firing incident occurred at the residence of former MLA Bamber Thakur in Changar Sector, Bilaspur. According to FIR No. 58/25 registered at Sadar Police Station, four individuals entered the premises, with two of them opening fire. The attack left Thakur, his PSO Constable Sanjeev Kumar, and complainant Vishal Chandel injured. Thakur is receiving treatment at IGMC Shimla, while Constable Kumar is admitted to AIIMS Bilaspur. Chandel sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg.

Forensic experts recovered 24 empty cartridges and bullet leads from the scene. The police seized a Bolero (HP 69-7257) used in the crime, leading to the arrest of the driver, Ritesh Sharma alias Rishu (24). A forensic examination of the vehicle yielded 10 live cartridges, an empty cartridge, and an empty magazine. Two other accused, Rohit Kumar Rana (29) and Manjeet Singh Nadda (33), were also arrested and identified as key conspirators. The police identified two shooters, Aman (son of Ashok) and Sagar (son of Kuldeep), from Rohtak, Haryana, and efforts are underway to apprehend them.

On March 15, 2025, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed under ADGP Gyaneshwar Singh, chaired by DIG Soumya Samvasivan. The three arrested accused were produced in court on March 16 and remanded in police custody until March 19.

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur condemned the firing incident, stating that it highlights a deteriorating law-and-order situation. He alleged that the government ignored crucial intelligence inputs that could have prevented the attack. Thakur also raised concerns over the disappearance of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, calling it a serious matter affecting the safety of public servants.

Additionally, Thakur brought up the issue of pro-Khalistan posters appearing on HRTC buses in Punjab and public concerns over a Sikh pilgrimage incident at Manikaran. He accused the government of failing to act swiftly on these matters, demanding immediate intervention.

Government’s response

CM Sukhu assured the House that the government is actively addressing all these issues. He emphasized that the SIT is working diligently to apprehend all suspects involved in the Bilaspur firing case. Regarding the disappearance of Vimal Negi, he stated that a thorough investigation is underway to ensure his safe recovery.

On the issue of pro-Khalistan posters, the Chief Minister informed the Assembly that an FIR has been registered, and the state government is coordinating with Punjab authorities. Regarding the Manikaran incident, Sukhu stated that legal action has been initiated, and all necessary measures are being taken to prevent any communal tensions.

The discussions concluded with the government reiterating its commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring justice in the Bilaspur firing case, and safeguarding public safety across the state.