SIT grills suspended Himachal Director Deshraj for 6 hours, had called up Chief Engineer Vimal Negi on day of disappearance

DHARAMSHALA/Shimla:
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the death of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) Chief Engineer Vimal Negi questioned suspended director Deshraj for six hours on Sunday (April 6, 2025).

This marks the first time Deshraj has been interrogated in the case. Deshraj had reportedly called up Vimal Negi on his phone on the morning of March 10 — the day he went missing — after which the Chief Engineer left Shimla for Bilaspur.

His body was found floating in the Gobind Sagar Lake eight days later and it was suspected that he allegedly died by suicide.

Family members have accused Deshraj and then HPPCL Managing Director Harikesh Meena of harassing Vimal Negi, forcing him to take the extreme step. Meena has also been summoned for questioning on Monday.

SIT questions Deshraj over suspicious call

The police grilled Deshraj from 2 pm to 8 pm on Sunday, focusing on his phone conversation with Vimal Negi before his disappearance.

Investigators sought details about the nature of their discussion and whether Vimal Negi was under pressure. The authorities are also examining the HPPCL’s official records and statements from employees to establish a timeline of events.

Wife alleges murder, demands CBI probe

Vimal Negi’s wife Kiran Negi has dismissed the drowning theory, claiming her husband was murdered. “He was mentally harassed at work,” she said, alleging a cover-up.

Dissatisfied with the state probe, she plans to approach the Himachal Pradesh High Court for a CBI investigation. She also raised concerns over possible tampering with the post-mortem report.

CM Sukhu assures of fair probe amid political row

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reiterated the government’s commitment to a transparent investigation but accused the BJP of politicising the issue.

“If the BJP can get ED raids conducted in my home constituency Nadaun, they can very well get a CBI inquiry ordered (in the Vimal Negi case),” he said.

At the same time, Chief Minister Sukhu said two inquiry reports were awaited in the case. The BJP, on the other hand, has alleged foul play in Vimal Negi’s death.

Sunil Chadha