Chief Engineer Vimal Negi Death Case: FIR for Abetment to Suicide Filed Amid Rising Protests

Shimla, March 20 – The death of Vimal Negi, the Chief Engineer and General Manager (GM) of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), has sent shockwaves across the state. Under suspicious circumstances, Negi’s body was found in Govind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur district on March 18, after he had been missing for over a week. The case has sparked outrage, particularly from Negi’s family, who are alleging mental harassment by higher officials of the Power Corporation, accusing them of driving him to take this drastic step.

In response to these serious allegations, the Shimla police have registered a case under Section 108 and Section 3(5) of the Indian Penal Code, relating to abetment to suicide, based on a complaint filed by Negi’s wife, Kiran Negi. The police investigation is underway as the family, alongside HPPCL employees, expresses their deep anger and frustration over the events surrounding Negi’s death.

Family Allegations and Protest
Vimal Negi’s family has been vocal about their belief that his death was not a simple accident or suicide, but the result of intense mental stress caused by the actions of his colleagues at the Power Corporation. His wife, Kiran Negi, in her complaint to the police, alleged that senior officials had subjected her husband to mental harassment. She claims that the pressure and harassment from the corporation’s leadership were unbearable for him, eventually leading to his tragic decision.

The emotional pain and anger of the family are palpable, and they have been demanding justice for Negi. To highlight their grievances, the family has staged a protest outside the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation headquarters in Shimla. The protest turned more intense as leaders from the opposition party, the BJP, joined the demonstration in solidarity with the grieving family. Holding Negi’s body outside the office, the family and protesters are calling for a thorough and impartial investigation, including a demand for a CBI probe into the matter.

The Investigation and Government Response
In light of the serious nature of the allegations, the Himachal Pradesh government has swiftly moved to investigate the case. The Additional Chief Secretary of the Home and Revenue Department, Omkar Sharma, has been tasked with leading the investigation. Sharma has been instructed to submit a detailed report within 15 days, ensuring a transparent and unbiased inquiry into the circumstances of Negi’s death.

Furthermore, the state government has taken immediate steps to prevent any potential interference in the investigation by removing key officials from their posts. Harikesh Meena, the Managing Director (MD) of the Himachal Power Corporation, and Deshraj, the Director (Electrical), were both removed from their positions with immediate effect. In their place, 2012-batch IAS officer Rakesh Prajapati has been appointed as the new MD, while Director (Civil) Surendra Kumar will take on additional responsibilities as the acting Director (Electrical).

This administrative shake-up is seen as a necessary move to ensure fairness in the ongoing investigation and to demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of Negi’s family and employees of the corporation.

The Timeline and Recovery of the Body
The case began on March 10 when Vimal Negi was reported missing from Shimla. His sudden disappearance triggered a widespread search operation by the police and administration, who eventually traced his last known location to the Bilaspur district. Despite efforts to locate him, it wasn’t until March 18 that Negi’s body was found in the waters of Govind Sagar Lake, raising further questions about the circumstances of his death.

While the body has been recovered, the real cause of Negi’s death remains unclear. The possibility of suicide due to professional pressures is under investigation, but many believe foul play may have been involved. The local police are working to gather evidence and testimony from Negi’s colleagues, family, and other relevant individuals to piece together the events leading up to his death.

Growing Demand for Justice
The anger among HPPCL employees is palpable, with many voicing their concerns about the working conditions within the corporation. The demand for a fair and thorough investigation into the cause of Negi’s death continues to grow, with increasing calls for accountability and strict action against any officials found to be responsible for the alleged harassment that led to the tragedy.

The case has become a focal point for discussions about workplace harassment and the pressures faced by employees in high-stress environments. The tragic death of Vimal Negi has not only left a family grieving but also raised important questions about the corporate culture within state-run organizations.

As the investigation unfolds, the people of Himachal Pradesh and the wider public are watching closely, hoping for justice to be served and for the truth to come to light.