The body of Vimal Negi, the Chief Engineer of HP State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL)-cum-General Manager of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), was discovered in the Bhakra Dam near Jhanduta in Bilaspur district on Tuesday.
Negi had gone missing on March 10, with his last known location traced to Bilaspur district. His sudden disappearance had raised concerns among colleagues and family members, prompting a joint front of HPSEBL Employees and Engineers to appeal to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding his absence.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Lokesh Thakur, the Convener of the Employees’ Forum, expressed concerns about Negi’s recent distress due to an alleged hostile and toxic work environment at HPPCL. The forum urged the government to launch a detailed inquiry into his professional dealings, citing suspicions that he might have been subjected to undue pressure to sign illicit documents.
"Various sources indicate that Negi was facing extreme stress due to workplace conditions. It is imperative that all cases handled by his office be examined to rule out any coercion or foul play," Thakur wrote in his appeal.
Reacting to the tragic news, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu conveyed his deep sorrow over the demise of the senior officer. He described Vimal Negi as an upright and dedicated professional whose contributions to the power sector in Himachal Pradesh would always be remembered.
"Negi’s commitment to the state’s development and his integrity in service were commendable. His passing is a great loss, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family," said the Chief Minister in his official statement.
With the discovery of Negi’s body in the dam, speculation over the circumstances leading to his death has intensified. The demand for a fair and transparent investigation is growing, as employees and engineers continue to press for clarity on whether workplace pressures played a role in his disappearance.
Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed probe, including an examination of his recent case files and official dealings, to determine if any external factors contributed to the tragic incident.
Also Read: HPSEBL Chief Engineer missing, employees demand inquiry
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