The mysterious death of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer and General Manager at Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), has created a major crisis for the state government, forcing swift action amid public outrage.
Under immense pressure, the government ordered an inquiry led by Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Sharma, suspended HPPCL’s Director (Electrical), and lodged an FIR for ‘abetment of suicide’ against three officers. The controversy erupted at a time when the budget session of the state assembly was in progress, adding to the government’s troubles.
The situation escalated when Negi’s body, retrieved from Bhakra Dam, was brought to Shimla. His grieving family, along with employees of HPPCL and a large number of people from Kinnaur, staged a protest outside the Power Corporation’s office, demanding justice.
Allegations surfaced that Negi, known for his integrity, was subjected to immense pressure and harassment by senior officials. Protesters insisted that two officers who allegedly tormented him should be suspended.
Responding to the growing unrest, the government removed the Managing Director and Director (Electrical), suspending the latter. Another IAS officer has now been appointed as the new MD of HPPCL.
The agitation continued late into the night, with protesters refusing to disperse. It was only after 10 PM, when four ministers—Revenue and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh, PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh, and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani—arrived to assure the family of the government’s commitment to a thorough investigation, that the demonstration was called off.
The ministers’ visit came after BJP leaders had already met the family, intensifying political pressure on the government.
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Negi’s family categorically rejected the suicide theory, arguing that he was a resilient individual who had faced hardships since childhood. They questioned the narrative, pointing out that he had hired a taxi to Ghumarwin, eaten en route, and met people before his death—actions inconsistent with someone planning suicide.
They also expressed anger over the government and Power Corporation’s indifferent attitude, noting that officials had failed to show concern when Negi was reported missing on March 10.
To address the outrage, the government appointed Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Sharma—known for his strict administration and clean record—as the inquiry officer, with instructions to submit his report within 15 days. However, this move failed to pacify the opposition BJP, which raised the issue in the assembly.
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BJP leaders demanded to know why, despite the suspension of the Director (Electrical), the IAS officer serving as HPPCL’s MD had not been similarly held accountable. Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur called for a CBI investigation into Negi’s death, but the ruling party rejected the demand. In response, BJP legislators staged a walkout from the assembly in protest.
Beyond the political turmoil, the incident has placed HPPCL and the state bureaucracy under scrutiny, revealing a toxic work culture within government offices. Negi’s wife and HPPCL employees have alleged that staff were routinely harassed, forced to work late hours, and subjected to humiliating treatment.
Even senior officers like Negi, with 22 years of service in the State Electricity Board, were reportedly made to stand for long hours with files in hand.
These claims have sparked wider discussions about workplace harassment, with similar grievances now being quietly shared by government employees across Himachal Pradesh. The case has shaken public confidence in the administration, raising concerns about the treatment of technocrats in government offices and the overall work environment.
Himachal Pradesh has long been seen as a state where government jobs offer stability and security, but this incident has cast a shadow over that belief, leading many to question the integrity and fairness of the system.
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