Shimla, March 22, 2025: The case surrounding the suspicious death of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) Chief Engineer Vimal Negi has taken a new turn as the Shimla police received the preliminary postmortem report. The report reveals that no external injury marks were found on Negi’s body, further complicating the investigation. The police are now awaiting the detailed final postmortem and forensic reports, which are expected to shed light on the exact cause of his death.
According to the initial postmortem findings, there were no visible signs of violence or injury on Negi’s body. This raises several unanswered questions, particularly as the cause of death remains unclear. Authorities are now waiting for the forensic report, which could potentially offer more clarity on whether Negi’s death was due to drowning, foul play, or another cause. The preliminary report indicated that the body had been submerged in water for an extended period, suggesting that he likely died shortly after going missing, although this can only be conclusively confirmed with the final autopsy results.
Negi’s disappearance on March 10 was followed by a widespread search effort by both the police and his family. His last known location was traced to Bilaspur district, and after eight days of searching, his body was found in the Govind Sagar Lake on March 18. The discovery of the body has sparked a wave of suspicion, especially among his family members, who are questioning the circumstances surrounding his death.
The family has made serious allegations against senior officials of the HPPCL, with Vimal Negi’s wife accusing the former Director, Deshraj, of pressuring her husband to engage in unethical and immoral activities. She claims that this harassment caused her husband significant mental stress, which she believes played a role in his tragic demise. Based on her accusations, the Shimla Police have registered an FIR for abetment to suicide at the New Shimla police station, naming Deshraj as one of the key individuals involved. Additionally, the then Managing Director (MD) of the corporation has also been implicated in the case.
In light of these allegations and the seriousness of the case, the state government has acted swiftly. Both Deshraj and the MD were removed from their respective positions at HPPCL, signaling the government’s commitment to addressing the situation and ensuring justice for the deceased. In a bid to avoid arrest, Deshraj has filed for anticipatory bail, seeking relief from the courts. The petition is set to be heard in the Himachal Pradesh High Court on March 24.
The investigation is ongoing, with police looking into all possible angles, including whether Negi drowned in the lake or if foul play was involved. The authorities are also investigating the possibility that Negi was pushed into the water or that his body was disposed of after his death. As the case unfolds, the police are working diligently to gather all necessary evidence to build a strong case.
Vimal Negi’s family and colleagues continue to demand justice, with protests and calls for a fair and transparent investigation growing louder. As the investigation progresses, the public and the family of the deceased are eagerly awaiting the final forensic report, which may provide the critical details needed to understand what led to Negi’s tragic and untimely death.