Thakur demands Sukhu’s resignation, accuses state govt of shielding officials

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur today demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu over the death of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer of the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation, and the subsequent “collapse of Constitutional systems” in the state.

“The government has lost the moral right to continue in view of what is happening in the Vimal Negi death case. There’s no semblance of governance left in the state. The BJP has decided to seek the CM’s resignation,” said Thakur while addressing a press conference here today.

Thakur further alleged that instead of ensuring justice to the family of the deceased, the government had been protecting the officials accused of harassing Negi and stalling the demand for handing over the case to the CBI.

“Now that the High Court has handed over the case to the CBI, the government and the officials concerned are worried as a lot of things will come out,” he said. He also claimed that the government was mulling action against the DGP and the Additional Chief Secretary as they did not succumb to government pressure.

Thakur alleged that the root cause of Negi’s death was corruption in the power projects. “At Pekhubela Solar Power Project, around Rs 22 crore was to be deducted as liquidation charges from the company. Instead, Rs 13 crore was released,” alleged Thakur.

The Leader of Opposition further alleged that attempts have been made to tamper with evidence in the case. “Initially, there was no mention of the recovery of any pen drive from the body of Vimal Negi. Later, it came to light that a pen drive was recovered and it was formatted. This points towards a larger conspiracy and it should be investigated thoroughly,” said Thakur.

Thakur also slammed Shimla SSP Sanjeev Gandhi and Advocate General Anup Rattan for holding press conferences after the High Court handed over the case to the CBI. “How can the AG and SP hold press conference and comment on the order passed by the High Court? It should invite contempt of court proceedings against them,” said Thakur.

He further said that the government had made the SP so powerful that he’s making accusations against the DGP, the Chief Secretary and the BJP. “We have never seen such a situation in the state. The government has been totally exposed in this case,” he said. Thakur said that the CBI is the premier investigating agency of the country and the government should have faith in it and cooperate in the investigation.

Himachal Tribune