Shimla: A day after a marathon six-hour interrogation of suspended Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) director Deshraj, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has summoned IAS officer Harikesh Meena, the former managing director of the corporation, for questioning on Monday (April 7, 2025) in connection with the death of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi.
Deshraj was grilled on Sunday over allegations of harassing Vimal Negi, who went missing on March 10. Deshraj had reportedly called up the Chief Engineer hours before he went missing. Negi was later found dead.
The SIT, formed under Shimla SSP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, is investigating whether Vimal Negi was pressured by senior officials before his death.
Negi’s wife Kiran has alleged foul play, claiming her husband was “murdered” and not drowned, as initially suggested.
Focus on suspicious call before Negi’s disappearance
Investigators reportedly questioned Deshraj extensively about his phone conversation with Vimal Negi on the morning of March 10 — the day the Chief Engineer went missing.
The police are verifying whether Vimal Negi was under undue pressure to comply with illegal demands. Records from HPPCL offices and statements from employees are being scrutinised to establish the sequence of events.
Wife alleges cover-up, seeks CBI probe
Kiran Negi has rejected the drowning theory, insisting her husband faced severe workplace harassment.
“The post-mortem report is being withheld and I fear tampering,” she said, vowing to approach the Himachal Pradesh High Court for a CBI investigation.
She accused HPPCL officials, including Meena and Deshraj, of driving her husband to take the extreme step.
Political row erupts as CM accuses BJP of politicising issue
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reiterated the government’s commitment to a transparent inquiry but accused the BJP of politicising the tragedy. The BJP, on the other hand, has alleged foul play in the case.
The SIT is under pressure to deliver swift justice amid growing public outrage and political sparring over the case.
Sunil Chadha
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