Shimla, March 22,
The case regarding the death of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) General Manager Vimal Negi is set to involve more accused individuals as the investigation progresses. The State government remains committed to ensuring justice for the deceased’s family and is approaching the matter with sensitivity.
Take Free HimachalScape Subscription Complete this form
Choose Your Membership
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri addressed the issue during Zero Hour in the state Assembly in response to a point of order raised by BJP MLA Randhir Sharma. Agnihotri confirmed that an FIR had been registered in the case and that the investigation was ongoing. He assured that, as new facts emerge, additional accused individuals would be included in the case. The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that the government was deeply hurt by the incident and, like the opposition, was concerned about the outcome of the investigation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to seeking justice for the victim’s family.
Earlier, Revenue Minister and local MLA Jagat Singh Negi responded to a query in the Assembly, stating that the issue should not have been raised during Zero Hour as it was a point of order. He also mentioned that members should use other parliamentary procedures to address the matter. Negi clarified that the government could not arbitrarily add or remove names from the FIR and that the names of the accused included in the FIR were based on the complaint submitted to the authorities. He urged members not to divert attention from the main issue by making allegations against the state.
Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania acknowledged the concerns raised by BJP members and stated that he would direct the government and investigative agencies to report on the matter raised by Randhir Sharma.
Earlier in the session, BJP MLA Randhir Sharma raised the issue in the House through an adjournment motion under Rule 67, requesting a discussion on the matter. Sharma expressed concerns that the family’s grievances were being overlooked, as the Managing Director of HPPCL was not named in the FIR. He pointed out that at the time the FIR was filed, the MD was no longer in office, but the BJP demanded that other accused individuals be included in the investigation. Furthermore, Sharma called for the case to be handed over to the CBI. He also raised the issue of an IPS officer who had accused senior officials in a social media post, suggesting that similar treatment was being given to both police officers and HPPCL employees in the case.
The Speaker assured the members that their concerns would be taken into account and that the issue would be properly addressed by the relevant authorities.
