Sunil Chadha
Shimla: A fact-finding investigation ordered by the Himachal Pradesh government into the death of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) Chief Engineer Vimal Negi has revealed disturbing allegations of workplace harassment, intimidation and pressure to extend illegal favours to contractors.
The inquiry, conducted by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Onkar Sharma, has painted a grim picture of internal affairs at the state-run power corporation.
The inquiry report, submitted before the Himachal Pradesh High Court, was made public shortly before the case was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the court’s directions.
Inquiry flags mental pressure, workplace harassment
According to the 66-page report based on testimonies from 20 persons, including Vimal Negi’s family and HPPCL employees, the late Chief Engineer endured sustained psychological pressure in the weeks leading up to his mysterious death.
Onkar Sharma’s inquiry describes a highly toxic work environment where employees, including Negi, were routinely subjected to long hours, verbal abuse and punitive actions for minor reasons.
Vimal Negi, who went missing on March 10, was found dead eight days later in Bilaspur’s Gobind Sagar Lake. His family held a protest outside the HPPCL’s Shimla office on March 19, alleging foul play and demanding a CBI probe.
Allegations of pressure to clear dubious payments, data manipulation
The probe uncovers specific instances where Vimal Negi was allegedly coerced by senior officials, including then Managing Director Harikesh Meena and Director (Electrical) Deshraj, to approve questionable financial decisions.
In the Pekhubella solar power project, statements indicate Vimal Negi was under immense pressure to authorise a 10% contractor payment by issuing a completion certificate despite reservations.
Another senior engineer alleged that Vimal Negi was asked to inflate the revenue projection of the same project for a legislative response.
Engineers allege they were directed to reduce reported delays in the contractor’s timeline to cover up inefficiencies.
A Deputy General Manager testified that Deshraj explicitly warned staff, including Negi, saying, “Aap problem mein aa jaoge” (you’ll land in trouble) if they failed to comply.
Vimal Negi’s widow alleges coercion
Kiran Negi, the late Chief Engineer’s wife, told investigators that her husband was forced to issue a chargesheet to a colleague despite strong personal objections, an act that left him emotionally distressed. She also alleged that he was made to authorise payments against standard procedures, deepening his frustration.
The report further accuses Deshraj of demeaning staff and using foul language, even as Negi, reportedly unwell, was subjected to unreasonable work demands. Testimonies claim he was made to stand with files for hours and was issued show-cause notices for brief casual leave.
Top officials named, but deny wrongdoing
Harikesh Meena and Deshraj, both named in the report, have denied all the allegations. The CBI, which registered an FIR on May 26 under sections of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, is now formally investigating the case.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who ordered the inquiry following the family’s protest, acknowledged receiving the report. However, he said efforts to confront the accused officials were reportedly turned down by the ACS, citing that such actions feel within the scope of a formal departmental inquiry, not a fact-finding mission.
CM Sukhu also pointed out that the ACS submitted the report directly to the high court, bypassing the state’s legal counsel and underlining the sensitivity and urgency of the matter.
