Vimal Negi Case: Reinstatement of Suspended Director Deshraj Sparks Controversy; Negi’s Wife and BJP Express Outrage

Shimla, July 25:
The Himachal Pradesh government’s decision to reinstate Deshraj, the suspended director involved in the high-profile and suspicious death case of Power Corporation Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, has triggered widespread anger and political backlash. Despite currently being out on bail, Deshraj has been appointed to a new post within the state electricity board — a move that has left Negi’s family and the opposition BJP fuming.

Kiran Negi, the wife of the late Vimal Negi, expressed strong resentment over the reinstatement, pointing out that the case is still under investigation. “Reappointing an officer who is out on bail can jeopardize the ongoing probe and raises serious concerns about possible tampering with evidence,” she said.

She questioned the message the government is sending by reinstating an officer facing serious allegations of harassment. “The Chief Minister and his ministers expressed their condolences earlier, but this decision speaks otherwise,” she said. Kiran further alleged that suspensions were only ordered after intense protests by the family and colleagues.

The BJP also launched a sharp attack on the government. Former Forest Corporation Chairman and BJP leader from Kinnaur, Surat Negi, accused the state of rewarding the accused and punishing those seeking justice. He claimed the government was never serious about the case — highlighting that when Deshraj’s bail was denied by the High Court, the state failed to even appoint a lawyer in the Supreme Court, leading to his anticipatory bail being granted.

Surat Negi further alleged that all the accused were already reinstated to important posts, and now Deshraj has also been brought back. “Meanwhile, employees and office-bearers of the electricity board union who demanded justice for Vimal Negi are being subjected to vindictive action,” he said.

It is worth noting that Vimal Negi went missing under mysterious circumstances on March 10, and his body was recovered from the Govind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur on March 18. The family had accused Deshraj and senior corporation officials of mentally harassing Negi.

Deshraj and other officers were named in the FIR, after which the state government suspended him. On the directions of the High Court, the CBI took over the investigation and has already questioned Deshraj. He is currently out on bail granted by the Supreme Court, which has extended his interim protection until August 21.