Can’t refer every case to CBI: HP agri minister on BJP’s demand in HPPCL engineer case

HP agriculture minister Chander Kumar on Friday said there is no need to involve the CBI in every matter, adding that the state agencies are ‘fully competent’ to conduct a thorough inquiry

As the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continues to press for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) chief engineer-cum-general manager Vimal Negi, agriculture minister Chander Kumar on Friday said there is no need to involve the central agency in every matter, adding that the state agencies are ‘fully competent’ to conduct a thorough inquiry.

Himachal agriculture minister Chander Kumar (HT File)

The minister, who was in Dharamshala, said the matter should not be politicised. “Our government agencies are investigating the circumstances under which he allegedly ended his life by suicide, and we will take strict action against any individual or officer found guilty,” he said.

The minister emphasised the capability of state agencies and said, “Our agencies will conduct an impartial investigation. Referring cases to the CBI takes a considerable amount of time and there is no need to involve the CBI in every matter.”

Addressing mediapersons in Shimla on Thursday, BJP MLA from Jaswan-Paragpur Bikram Singh claimed Negi’s death was linked to rampant corruption in HPPCL.

“Vimal Negi died due to corruption in this department,” Singh had said, demanding that the report submitted by additional chief secretary Onkar Sharma be made public.

Earlier, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had said the government is open to any form of investigation into Negi’s death and assured they were committed to a fair and transparent inquiry.