Vimal Negi Death Case: Former Director Deshraj Approaches High Court for Bail

Shimla, March 22, 2025: The mysterious death of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) Chief Engineer Vimal Negi continues to send shockwaves through the state, with increasing political and legal ramifications. Former HPPCL Director, Desh Raj, who is named in the case, has now approached the Himachal Pradesh High Court seeking bail. This comes as the investigation into Negi’s death intensifies.

On Saturday, the High Court heard a petition filed by Deshraj seeking bail in connection with the death of Vimal Negi. During the hearing, the police presented their status report on the ongoing investigation. Justice Virendra Singh’s court has now scheduled the next hearing for March 24 and directed the Shimla Police to file a supplementary status report before the next session.

The investigation into Negi’s death began after his mysterious disappearance from Shimla on March 10. The last mobile location of the missing officer was traced to the Bilaspur district. After an extensive search operation, Negi’s body was recovered from Govind Sagar Lake on March 18. The sudden and unexplained nature of his death has sparked outrage, particularly from his family, who are alleging foul play and mental harassment.

Negi’s wife has accused Desh Raj, the Director of the Power Corporation, of pressuring her husband to engage in unethical activities, which she believes contributed to his mental distress. Following her complaint, Shimla Police registered an FIR for abetment to suicide, with Desh Raj being named in the case. The police are currently investigating the allegations.

In response to the shocking incident, Vimal Negi’s family and colleagues staged a protest outside the HPPCL office in Shimla on March 19, demanding justice and accountability. The protest drew significant attention, and four government ministers visited the scene to assure the family that appropriate action would be taken. As a result of the public outcry, the state government took immediate steps to address the situation. Desh Raj was suspended from his position as Director (Electricity), while Managing Director (MD) Harikesh Meena was removed from his post. Rakesh Prajapati, a 2012-batch IAS officer, was appointed as the new MD. Additionally, Surinder Kumar, Director (Civil), was given the additional charge of Director (Electrical).

To ensure an impartial investigation, the state government appointed Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, Omkar Sharma, as the investigating officer. Sharma has been tasked with submitting his report within 15 days. This move is aimed at reassuring the public and ensuring that justice is served in this high-profile case.

The case has also sparked political controversy, with the opposition BJP criticizing the state government for its handling of the investigation. The BJP, led by Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur and State BJP President Dr. Rajiv Bindal, met with Governor Shiv Prapt Shukla on Friday to submit a memorandum demanding a CBI inquiry into the matter. The BJP has expressed concerns over the fairness and transparency of the investigation, urging the government to take further steps to ensure a thorough and unbiased inquiry.

As the case unfolds, both the public and political pressure continue to mount on the state government to provide answers and ensure accountability. The mysterious death of Vimal Negi remains a highly sensitive issue, and the investigation is expected to have far-reaching implications for those involved in the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited.