Uproar Over Death of Himachal Power Corporation Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, Family Demands CBI Investigation

Shimla, March 19: The mysterious death of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer at Himachal Power Corporation (HPC), has sparked an outcry in the state, with his family demanding a CBI investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Negi, who had been missing since March 10, was found dead on March 18, his body recovered from the Bhakra Dam. His family, however, has vehemently rejected the notion that his death was a suicide, instead claiming that it was the result of a conspiracy and harassment within the Power Corporation.

The shocking discovery of Negi’s body has raised numerous questions, particularly concerning the pressures and allegations of harassment he faced in his professional life. His family, including his wife, brother, and other relatives, have made serious allegations against senior officials within the Himachal Power Corporation, including Managing Director Harikesh Meena and Director Vidyut Desraj. The family claims that both officers harassed Vimal Negi, subjecting him to undue stress, which they believe played a significant role in his tragic demise.

Family Alleges Harassment and Conspiracy

Vimal Negi’s family has taken a bold step by staging a protest outside the Himachal Power Corporation office, with the body of the deceased present. They have demanded the immediate suspension of both Harikesh Meena and Vidyut Desraj, accusing them of pressuring Negi into signing documents related to two key power projects – the Pekhwala and Shangtang power projects. According to the family, this coercion caused immense mental distress to Negi, ultimately leading him to take what they believe was a forced and tragic step.

Negi’s wife, Kiran Negi, has been particularly vocal in expressing her outrage over the lack of action from both the state government and the Power Corporation. She claims that despite their repeated complaints about the harassment her husband endured, the authorities did not act swiftly enough to protect him. “Had the government taken our concerns seriously and acted on them in time, an honest and hardworking officer like Vimal would not have lost his life,” Kiran Negi said, her voice filled with grief and frustration.

The family’s allegations have sent shockwaves through the region, with many questioning the internal workings of the Himachal Power Corporation. The family believes that the combination of professional pressure and personal harassment contributed to Negi’s untimely death. They are adamant that the truth behind his death must be uncovered through a CBI investigation, which they claim is the only way to ensure an impartial and thorough inquiry.

Protest and Growing Tensions

The protest by Vimal Negi’s family outside the Power Corporation office has become a focal point of public attention. Holding the body of the deceased, the family has vowed not to remove it until their demands are met, especially the suspension of the two accused officers and a CBI investigation into the case. The protesters have also raised slogans against the state government, particularly targeting Minister Jagat Singh Negi, for allegedly not addressing their concerns in a timely and effective manner.

The family’s continued protest and their demands for a CBI probe have sparked a wider debate in the state about corruption, harassment, and the treatment of employees within public sector corporations. Local residents, social activists, and even political leaders have rallied in support of the family, with many condemning the alleged abuse of power by senior officers in the Power Corporation.

The growing tension surrounding the case has put the state government under pressure. While authorities have promised a full investigation, the family’s insistence on a CBI inquiry suggests a lack of faith in the local authorities’ ability to conduct an impartial and thorough probe. The matter has now become a political issue, with opposition leaders accusing the government of failing to protect an honest officer and allowing a culture of harassment to thrive within the state bureaucracy.

Questions Surrounding the State Government’s Response

The tragic death of Vimal Negi has raised several questions about the state government’s response to such serious allegations. Critics argue that the administration’s failure to take timely action in addressing the family’s concerns might have contributed to the tragic outcome. Many are now questioning whether the state government has sufficiently addressed the issue of workplace harassment and whether proper safeguards are in place for employees facing undue pressure from superiors.

The state’s handling of the investigation will likely determine how the public perceives the government’s commitment to upholding justice. The call for a CBI inquiry is growing louder, with citizens demanding transparency and accountability from both the Himachal Power Corporation and the state government. The family’s demand for a high-level probe stems from their belief that a thorough and unbiased investigation is necessary to bring justice to Vimal Negi and to prevent future incidents of harassment within the state bureaucracy.

Political Fallout and Public Outcry

As the controversy continues to unfold, the political ramifications are becoming clear. Opposition leaders have seized upon the issue, accusing the state government of failing to protect its employees and allowing a toxic work environment to fester. The family’s public protest has garnered widespread media attention, and the incident is rapidly gaining traction on social media, with many voicing support for the family’s demands.

The incident has also sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of government employees, particularly those in high-pressure positions. Many workers and activists are now calling for greater oversight, more effective anti-harassment policies, and stronger protections for whistleblowers within the state’s public sector organizations.

Call for Justice and the Road Ahead

For the family of Vimal Negi, the pain of their loss is compounded by their belief that his death could have been prevented. As they continue their protest, their calls for justice are becoming louder and more urgent. They insist that only a CBI investigation can bring out the full truth and hold those responsible accountable.

The state government now faces significant pressure to respond swiftly and decisively. Whether the authorities will agree to a CBI inquiry or whether the investigation will remain within the state’s jurisdiction remains to be seen. One thing is certain – the tragic death of Vimal Negi has not only shaken the Himachal Power Corporation but has also put a spotlight on the issue of workplace harassment, accountability, and the treatment of government employees.

As the protests continue and public outrage grows, the family remains steadfast in their demand for justice, vowing not to relent until they receive the answers they believe they are owed.