Sunil Chadha
DHARAMSHALA: The mysterious death of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) Chief Engineer Vimal Negi has raised several questions, especially after allegations of ill-treatment and harassment by the management.
The incident has sparked strong reactions from both his family and HPPCL employees, who are now demanding a thorough and unbiased investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Allegations of harassment, inhumane treatment
Chief Engineer Vimal Negi’s family had earlier accused the HPPCL management of subjecting him to mental harassment, including forcing him to work long hours late into the night.
These alleged pressures, they claim, caused significant distress to Chief Engineer Vimal Negi in the days leading up to his tragic death. The situation took a dark turn when his body was found on Tuesday (March 17, 2025) near a dam in gram panchayat of Paploha, located in the Jhanduta Assembly constituency of Himachal Pradesh.
The police later recovered the body and a post-mortem examination was conducted at AIIMS-Bilaspur. The body is now being transported to Shimla for further formalities.
Calls for fair investigation, management change
HPPCL employees, alongside Chief Engineer Vimal Negi’s family, have now written to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu demanding an impartial inquiry into the incident.
They have also called for a change in management at the HPPCL, citing concerns over Negi’s treatment.
Chief Engineer Vimal Negi’s disappearance and subsequent death have only heightened the suspicion surrounding the circumstances, with many feeling that the investigation needs to be unbiased and transparent.
Employees of the power corporation have voiced their concerns over potential internal issues, which may have led to the unfortunate incident.
BJP leaders demand CBI investigation
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
Thakur also urged the state government to conduct a thorough investigation into the case. He raised concerns about the serious nature of the incident and emphasised the need for clarity regarding whether Negi’s death was a suicide or the result of foul play.
In a statement, Jai Ram Thakur said, “I had raised the issue of speeding up the search operation for Vimal Negi during the Budget session, but unfortunately, his body was found on Tuesday. Many facts are emerging, including allegations of pressure from higher authorities. A fair investigation is crucial to uncover the truth.” He further requested that any responsible parties be held accountable, without any exceptions.
Vimal Negi took taxi to travel from Shimla to Bilaspur
Vimal Negi, who had been missing since March 10, had travelled from Shimla to Bilaspur via private taxi on the day he disappeared.
His family had repeatedly reached out to the police and government authorities, seeking assistance in locating him. The Chief Minister had assured them that efforts would be made to find Negi, but the tragic outcome has now raised more questions than answers. The issue even echoed in the state assembly, with lawmakers urging for a swift resolution.
As the investigation continues, the demand for a CBI inquiry into the incident grows louder, with many questioning the involvement of senior officials in the case.
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