'Official goes missing from Shimla, Senior Engineer Reported Missing in Shimla'

Sunil Chadha

Shimla: Er. Vimal Negi, serving as Chief Engineer at the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB) and General Manager (Electrical) at Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), has been reported missing since March 10, 2025.

According to official reports, Negi alighted from his official vehicle at the LIFT area in Shimla around 12:30 PM on that day, instructing his driver to wait. He did not return, prompting concerns about his whereabouts.

A missing person complaint was filed at the Sadar Police Station on the same day at 9:00 PM. Subsequent extensive searches, including checks at the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) and other local hospitals, have so far yielded no information regarding his location.

Himachal Pradesh has historically demonstrated a high success rate in tracing missing persons. Between 2020 and 2022, the state reported 7,038 missing individuals, out of which 6,183 (approximately 87.8%) were successfully traced, according to police records. In 2021 alone, the state achieved an 85.4% recovery rate for kidnapped or abducted individuals, surpassing the national average of 50.8%.

Despite these encouraging statistics, the disappearance of a senior official like Er. Vimal Negi is alarming and has raised concerns among both the public and authorities. The police have intensified their search efforts and are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in locating him.

Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to contact the Sadar Police Station promptly. The community’s cooperation is crucial in ensuring the swift and safe return of Er. Vimal Negi.