Shimla: The sudden removal of IAS officer Rakesh Prajapati from the role of Managing Director (MD) of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) has triggered serious questions, especially as calls intensify for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of Chief Engineer Vimal Neg
Negi, who went missing on March 10, was later found dead in Gobind Sagar Lake, Bilaspur, on March 18. His family alleges that workplace harassment and undue pressure from senior officials led to his death, claiming it was a result of sustained mental torture rather than suicide. In protest, they staged a sit-in with his body outside the HPPCL headquarters in Shimla, demanding a CBI investigation.
In an effort to restore public trust, the state government had initially removed then HPPCL MD Harikesh Meena and Director (Electrical) Desh Raj. To calm rising public anger, IAS Rakesh Prajapati — a widely respected officer with a sterling social image — was appointed as interim MD on March 19.
Prajapati, often credited for his transparent administration and praised for his extraordinary handling of Kangra district during the COVID-19 pandemic, had built a solid reputation as a people-centric officer. His appointment had significantly cooled the unrest among the public and Negi’s supporters.
However, just 39 days later, Prajapati was suddenly relieved of his additional charge, and Bilaspur Deputy Commissioner Abid Hussain Sadiq was appointed as the new MD. The timing of Prajapati’s removal — especially when the CBI probe demands are gaining momentum — has reignited public distrust and speculation over the government’s motives.
Opposition leaders, including BJP’s Jai Ram Thakur, have slammed the government for what they call an”unconvincing” investigation. They question why the officials accused by Negi’s family were not suspended or named in the FIR, and whether the frequent administrative changes are a deliberate attempt to dilute the inquiry.
Although Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Sharma had been assigned to conduct a comprehensive investigation within 15 days. For many, the removal of a socially trusted officer like Prajapati only deepens doubts about whether justice will truly be served in the tragic Vimal Negi case.
S Gopal Puri
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