Vimal Negi Death Case: Government Orders High-Level Inquiry, Removes Two HPPCL Officials
Shimla, March 19: The Himachal Pradesh government has taken swift action following the mysterious death of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) General Manager (GM) Vimal Negi, ordering a high-level inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death. The government has handed over the investigation to Additional Chief Secretary of the Home and Revenue Department, Omkar Sharma, who is expected to submit a detailed report within 15 days. During the investigation, statements from the deceased officer’s family, colleagues, and other relevant parties will be taken to ensure a comprehensive probe.
In a bid to ensure the impartiality of the investigation, the state government has removed two senior officials of the HPPCL—Managing Director (MD) Harikesh Meena and Director (Electrical) Deshraj—pending the outcome of the inquiry. Rakesh Prajapati (IAS, 2012) has been appointed as the new Managing Director, and Surinder Kumar, Director (Civil), has been given the additional responsibility of Director (Electrical).
This action comes after a growing public outcry, including concerns raised by members of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, the media, and Power Corporation employees. Allegations have surfaced that Vimal Negi was subjected to intense mental and professional pressure, which may have contributed to his tragic demise.
The Mysterious Circumstances Surrounding Vimal Negi’s Death
Vimal Negi’s body was discovered yesterday in the Govind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur district, after being missing for several days. The discovery followed a trail of clues that had led investigators to search for him after his sudden disappearance on March 10. An identity card found near his body helped confirm his identity. Vimal Negi, a resident of Kinnaur district, was serving as the Chief Engineer at the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board before being posted on deputation as the General Manager of HPPCL in Shimla.
Negi’s disappearance was initially reported after he was last seen leaving Shimla in a taxi on the night of March 10. According to the taxi driver, Negi had booked a ride from Shimla to Ghumarwin and was dropped off at the Ghumarwin area. CCTV footage captured him walking toward Bharari-Jahoo Road after being dropped off, but after that, he vanished without a trace.
Family members, particularly his wife, have suggested that Vimal Negi was under immense mental stress before his disappearance and death. She claimed that her husband had been facing harassment from higher officials within HPPCL, which led to his deteriorating mental health. According to her, Vimal Negi had been repeatedly subjected to professional abuse, and despite his health issues, he was not granted medical leave, further exacerbating his stress.
Allegations of Harassment and Abuse
The allegations of harassment against HPPCL officials have been a key point of contention in the aftermath of Vimal Negi’s death. Family members and Power Corporation employees have accused senior officials, including Managing Director Harikesh Meena and Director Deshraj, of exerting undue pressure on Negi. These allegations suggest that the pressure from his superiors may have played a pivotal role in his tragic end. Sources claim that Negi’s difficulties in dealing with the pressure were compounded by the lack of support from his superiors, further isolating him at a time when he most needed help.
The community in Negi’s native village, Katgaon in Kinnaur district, has also voiced their anger and frustration over the incident. After his disappearance, local residents organized protests, demanding immediate action and an investigation into his death. The protests grew louder as villagers and family members raised slogans against the HPPCL officials, urging the administration to investigate the matter thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice.
Public Outcry and Political Repercussions
The news of Vimal Negi’s suspicious death has sparked widespread public outrage, not just among his family and village, but also within the larger context of government employees and the power sector. The protests have also caught the attention of various political parties, with opposition leaders demanding accountability from the state government. They have called for a transparent investigation into the events leading up to Negi’s death and questioned the efficiency of the state’s internal checks and balances in preventing such incidents.
The fact that two senior officials of HPPCL have been removed from their positions is seen as a sign of the government’s intent to ensure a fair and unbiased inquiry. The appointment of new officials, Rakesh Prajapati and Surinder Kumar, to oversee the management of the corporation, is aimed at restoring public faith in the investigation and mitigating concerns about any possible interference.
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, while commenting on the matter, assured that the government would take strict action against anyone found guilty of wrongdoing, including those in positions of power within the corporation. He emphasized that the government was committed to ensuring justice for Vimal Negi and his family, and that the inquiry would be carried out without any prejudice.
The Road Ahead
The state government has made it clear that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and they are hopeful that the inquiry will shed light on the circumstances leading to Vimal Negi’s tragic death. The investigation led by Omkar Sharma, the Additional Chief Secretary, is expected to focus on examining the pressures faced by Negi at work, his relationships with the HPPCL officials, and whether any foul play or malpractices contributed to his demise.
Meanwhile, the family and community members are continuing their demand for justice, holding firm to their belief that the death of Vimal Negi was not just a personal tragedy but also a reflection of the larger issues within the work environment at HPPCL. They are hopeful that the investigation will reveal the truth and ensure that no other government employee faces the same fate.
As the inquiry progresses, the spotlight will be on the actions of the Himachal Pradesh government and the Power Corporation to ensure transparency, accountability, and a fair investigation. The outcome of this high-level probe will be crucial in determining whether the authorities can restore public confidence in the state’s power sector and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
The case of Vimal Negi’s death has raised serious concerns about workplace harassment and the well-being of government employees. The state’s response to these allegations will likely have long-term implications for how such cases are handled in the future, setting a precedent for employee welfare and professional ethics in government-run organizations across Himachal Pradesh.
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