Govt must extend cooperation to CBI in Negi case: Himachal BJP chief Bindal

Amid growing political pressure and public concern, BJP state president Dr Rajiv Bindal has urged the Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, to fully cooperate with the Central Bureau of Investigation investigation into the mysterious death of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB).

Speaking at a press conference in Dharamsala, Dr Bindal demanded the immediate handover of all relevant documents to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), following the High Court’s recent directive for a probe. He stressed the need for transparency, stating, “Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. Vimal Negi was an honest officer, and his suspicious death demands a thorough and impartial investigation.”

Dr Bindal criticised the state government’s earlier decision to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which he claimed ignored the wishes of Negi’s family, who had called for a Central Bureau of Investigation probe from the outset.

He also accused the Sukhu government of failing to uphold law and order, citing a press briefing by Shimla’s SP that allegedly revealed government links to the drug mafia. Bindal hinted at possible involvement from within the DGP office.

“This is not mere administrative failure—it is state-sponsored criminality,” he said. He further alleged that the government is complicit in illicit liquor trade, drug trafficking, and illegal mining, and has thus “lost the moral and constitutional right to govern.”

The press conference began on a patriotic note, with Bindal congratulating the Union Government for making India the world’s fourth-largest economy, surpassing Japan.

Prominent BJP leaders including Vipin Parmar, Pawan Kajal, Trilok Kapoor, Ravi Dhiman and senior party workers were present.