Shimla, March 20 — The Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) has suspended its Director (Electrical) Desh Raj following protests by the family of deceased Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, who was found dead in Bilaspur on Tuesday after going missing on March 10.
Negi’s wife alleged that he was harassed, denied leave, and pressured despite health issues, insisting his death was “not a suicide but murder.” The family and supporters staged a dharna outside the HPPCL office in Shimla on Wednesday, refusing to perform his last rites until senior officials were suspended. They also raised slogans against Desh Raj and Managing Director Harikesh Meena.
The protest ended late Wednesday night after Desh Raj’s suspension and an assurance from four cabinet ministers that action would be taken against those responsible. The government has initiated a departmental inquiry against him under Rule 20 of the HPPCL Conduct, Discipline, and Appeal Rules.
Meanwhile, police have registered a case under Sections 108 (abetment to suicide) and 3(5) (joint criminal liability) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) based on Negi’s wife’s complaint.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu informed the Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday that an investigation led by an additional chief secretary-rank officer has been ordered.
Read More: HIMACHAL CM ORDERS PROBE INTO HPPCL ENGINEER’S DEATH
