Chief Engineer Vimal Negi Death Case: Former MD Harikesh Meena Granted Interim Relief by High Court Until May 15

Shimla, May 2: In the ongoing investigation into the mysterious death of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, former Managing Director and IAS officer Harikesh Meena has been granted interim relief by the Himachal Pradesh High Court. The court has extended the stay on Meena’s arrest and granted interim bail until May 15. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for that date.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitted a status report related to the case in the High Court on Friday. Earlier, on April 8, the court had granted Meena interim bail until May 2.

Vimal Negi went missing under mysterious circumstances on March 10. His body was recovered eight days later, on March 18, from the Gobind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur. The incident triggered widespread shock and concern across the state.

Based on a complaint filed by Negi’s wife, a case was registered at the New Shimla Police Station. Former MD Harikesh Meena, suspended director Desraj, and another IAS officer have been named as accused in the FIR. The complaint alleges that Negi was mentally harassed and pushed to take his own life.

According to the complainant, Negi was under intense pressure to participate in alleged irregularities within the corporation, which caused him significant psychological distress. It is believed that this pressure contributed to his tragic decision.

The police and SIT are actively investigating the matter from all possible angles. So far, the SIT has questioned Harikesh Meena, suspended director Desraj, IAS officer Shivam Pratap Singh, and several other senior officials and staff members of the corporation. Personnel from the electric wing have also been interviewed as part of the inquiry.