Bilaspur, March 18: The disappearance of Vimal Negi, the Chief Engineer of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), has taken a tragic turn with the discovery of his body in Bhakra Dam after eight agonizing days of uncertainty. The body was found near Dhanipakhar under Shahtalai police station in Bilaspur, marking the end of a harrowing search but raising more questions about the circumstances of his death.
The discovery has sent shockwaves through the local community and his family, as the case has become increasingly suspicious. Authorities found a driving license near the body with the name and address of Vimal Negi, further confirming his identity. However, the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and subsequent death remain unclear, prompting a deeper investigation into what could have led to this tragedy.
The Mysterious Disappearance
Vimal Negi, a senior official at HPPCL, was reported missing on March 10. His sudden disappearance triggered a widespread search effort, as his family and colleagues were left in the dark about his whereabouts. According to the investigation, Negi, a resident of Kinnaur district, had been in Shimla for work before vanishing without a trace.
In the days following his disappearance, investigators pieced together details from a taxi driver who had been the last to transport Negi. The driver confirmed that he had driven Negi from Shimla to Ghumarwin. CCTV footage also showed Negi near Shimla’s Old Bus Stand, and the taxi driver confirmed that he had dropped him off at Ghumarwin. From there, Negi was last seen heading toward Bharari-Jahu road. After that, no one knew of his whereabouts.
Eight days later, his body was recovered from Bhakra Dam, around 70 kilometers from Ghumarwin. The police have initiated an investigation, and the body has been sent for forensic analysis by the FSL team from Mandi. The sudden nature of his death, coupled with the suspicious circumstances, has raised numerous questions about whether this was an accident, a suicide, or foul play.
Allegations from Vimal Negi’s Family
The discovery of Vimal Negi’s body has sparked fresh concerns among his family members. Negi’s wife revealed that her husband had been under significant mental stress for several months before his disappearance. She alleged that he had been facing harassment at work, particularly due to the misbehavior and lack of medical leave granted by his higher-ups at HPPCL. According to her, this ongoing mental strain had deteriorated his mental health, leading to a state of emotional distress.
Ever since his disappearance, residents of Vimal Negi’s native village, Katgaon, have rallied in support, demanding justice and a thorough investigation into the matter. Despite heavy rainfall, hundreds of villagers participated in a protest march, calling for answers regarding the suspicious disappearance and the possible mistreatment of Negi at his workplace.
Government’s Response and the Investigation
In response to the growing concerns, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu ordered a swift investigation into the case. The state government acted quickly, with the police initiating their probe into Negi’s disappearance and the circumstances surrounding his death. The family also offered a reward of Rs 1 lakh to aid in the search for Negi, underscoring the urgency and emotional toll the situation had taken.
Moreover, the state’s Revenue Minister, Jagat Singh Negi, expressed his concerns and demanded a high-level investigation into the circumstances leading to Vimal Negi’s disappearance. He called for a thorough inquiry to determine whether there were any criminal elements involved in the case and to uncover the full truth behind the incident.
Now, with the discovery of Negi’s body, the investigation has entered a critical phase. The police are working to determine whether his death was the result of a tragic accident, suicide, or something more sinister. As of now, there are no clear answers, and the community, along with his grieving family, anxiously awaits further developments.
A Family in Mourning
The death of Vimal Negi has left his family devastated. His wife and children are grappling with the loss, compounded by the shock of the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death. A dedicated and hardworking engineer, Negi was well-respected in his community and at HPPCL. His sudden and untimely demise has left a void in the hearts of his loved ones and colleagues alike.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are hoping that the forensic analysis of the body and the continued probe will provide answers to the many questions that remain unanswered. Whether this case involves foul play or an unfortunate accident, one thing is clear: the family of Vimal Negi, along with the entire community, is still searching for the truth.