Jairam Thakur accuses Himachal govt of double standards in Vimal Negi death case

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Yog Raj Sharma

Shimla, June 2

The Leader of the Opposition and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Jairam Thakur, has launched a sharp attack on the Congress-led state government, accusing it of “playing a double role” in the investigation into the death of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi. Speaking at a press conference in Shimla, Thakur alleged that while Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has publicly welcomed a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and pledged full cooperation, the state’s own law enforcement officials are simultaneously working to undermine the court’s directive. Specifically, he pointed to Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, who recently filed a Letters Patent Appeal (LPA) challenging the High Court’s decision to allow a CBI inquiry.

Thakur claimed the move was made in consultation with the Advocate General, and alleged that SP Gandhi was “effectively running the state government” with a “free hand”, suggesting that key administrative decisions were being taken by police officials rather than elected leaders. “The government is visibly shaken by the CBI investigation,” said Thakur.

He went on to suggest that a breakdown in governance is unfolding in Himachal Pradesh, asserting that several MLAs, ministers, and even the Deputy Chief Minister are no longer aligned with or responsive to Chief Minister Sukhu.

“This is a constitutional failure,” he said. “When the Chief Minister’s authority is not respected by his own government, there is no moral justification for him to continue in office,” he said.

The story will be updated if the Chief Minister’s Office or SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi responds to Thakur’s allegations.