Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the state government has initiated a high-level inquiry into the death of engineer Vimal Negi, which is expected to be completed within 15 days. He emphasized that anyone found guilty will face consequences.

Sukhu made these statements during a response to the opposition’s cut motion proposal in the state assembly on Monday. However, the opposition was absent during the voting, leading to the proposal’s rejection and the demand being fully passed.

The Chief Minister criticized the demand for a CBI inquiry into Negi’s death, accusing the BJP of attempting to politicize the situation. He further alleged that the CBI and ED are being misused by the BJP to intimidate opposition leaders.

Sukhu asserted that law and order in Himachal Pradesh is stable, highlighting the government’s capability to ensure the safety of its citizens and their property. He noted that the police are effectively handling crime investigations while utilizing modern technology for crime prevention.

Additionally, Sukhu revealed that the state government has launched an anti-drug campaign and enforced the PIT-NDPS Act to combat drug abuse. He commended the police’s efforts in Shimla and Solan districts for their work in controlling drug-related issues.

The Chief Minister also accused the previous BJP administration of protecting the mining mafia and declared that his government would take stringent actions against illegal mining. He announced the formation of local committees to oversee mining activities.

Prior to Sukhu’s remarks, Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur had called for a CBI inquiry into Vimal Negi’s death, criticizing the government for its approach to law and order. Thakur expressed concerns about rising crime rates and public insecurity, stating that gang wars have emerged in the state for the first time.

Other BJP MLAs, including Satpal Singh Satti, Randhir Sharma, and Trilok Jamwal, echoed these concerns, calling attention to various incidents of violence and asserting that the government’s response has been inadequate. Following the Chief Minister’s response, the opposition walked out of the assembly in protest.

The cut motion proposal, introduced by Thakur, accused the state government of leaving Himachal Pradesh vulnerable. Satti pointed out a recent shooting incident and urged the government to adopt a tougher stance against such crimes, suggesting methods similar to those used by the Yogi government.

Randhir Sharma referred to a recent shooting in Bilaspur as evidence of gang violence, while Trilok Jamwal termed a court-related shooting as a contract killing, raising alarms about the emergence of this crime in the state. Dr. Hansraj proposed employing AI technology in crime prevention and leveraging special police officers to capture drug smugglers in Chamba district. MLA Lokendra Kumar also called for strict action against the drug mafia and issues related to law and order in his constituency.