TNR News Network
Shimla:
The Himachal Pradesh government has reinstated Desh Raj, a former director of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (HPCL), who was suspended in connection with the controversial and suspicious death of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi earlier this year.
Desh Raj has now been posted as Chief Engineer in the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB), his parent department.
Sources close to the development said the decision to reinstate Desh Raj was taken after no substantial evidence was found against him during the initial probe. He officially rejoined service on Wednesday (July 23, 2025).
Suspension order revoked after two months
Desh Raj was placed under suspension nearly two months ago following a public outcry and protests by the family of Vimal Negi, whose body was recovered from the Gobind Sagar Lake in Shah Talai, Bilaspur, on March 18, eight days after he went missing from Shimla on March 10. Negi’s death sparked a major controversy, leading to allegations of workplace harassment and pressure.
After protests and legal intervention by Vimal Negi’s family, the Himachal Pradesh High Court ordered a CBI probe into the matter, overruling the state government’s initial reluctance to involve the central agency.
No charges yet, CBI probe still underway
The CBI investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made so far. In line with service rules, the continuation of suspension beyond 90 days requires valid justification. Since no chargesheet has been filed and no concrete findings have emerged implicating Desh Raj, the state government has decided to revoke his suspension.
Earlier internal inquiries, including one conducted by former Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Sharma, had raised serious concerns about workplace behaviour and alleged harassment faced by Vimal Negi. Desh Raj was named in these reports, prompting the government to suspend him, while then Managing Director Harikesh Meena was removed from his position. FIRs in the case also name Meena and other officials.
Following the discovery of Vimal Negi’s body, his family staged a sit-in protest with the body outside the Power Corporation office in Shimla on March 19. Public and political pressure escalated, forcing the state to take disciplinary action and later respond to the high court’s directive for a CBI inquiry. Though reinstated, Desh Raj’s name remains under scrutiny as the CBI continues to probe the circumstances surrounding Vimal Negi’s death.
Other News
Brahmin Kalyan Parishad donates ₹3 Lakh for Bharmour relief efforts
Central inter-ministerial team assesses ₹434 crore disaster loss in Chamba District
Dr. Naresh Kumar Sharma Honoured with State Award for Excellence in Higher Education
Chamba–Bharmour NH-154A reopens after 13 days, bringing relief to Manimahesh Pilgrims
30,000 Mandi villagers in Himachal ex-CM’s home belt Seraj cut off for a week, struggling for food, roads, power supply
