AIPEF demands dismissal and arrest over Chief Engineer’s suicide
Shimla, Apr 2,
The All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) has demanded the dismissal of the Managing Director of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) and the Director (Electrical) of Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) over their alleged role in the suicide of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi.
AIPEF Patron and former MD of HPSLDC, Suneel Grover, submitted an affidavit before the Additional Chief Secretary (Home/Revenue) inquiry officer in Shimla on Tuesday. He emphasized that the officers should not only face immediate dismissal but also be subjected to criminal proceedings for their alleged coercion and harassment of Negi.
The suicide of Negi, who was serving as General Manager at HPPCL, has sent shockwaves through the power engineering community. According to AIPEF, Negi was subjected to a hostile work environment, extreme harassment, and pressure to comply with decisions that compromised technical and financial prudence. It is alleged that he was forced to sign various documents under duress and was threatened with dire consequences if he refused.
Also read HPPCL employees demand fair investigation and Management change following GM Negi’s demise
AIPEF claims that corruption and mismanagement within HPPCL over the past three years have led to significant delays and cost overruns in projects. They argue that Negi’s suicide was a tragic attempt to highlight the deep-seated issues of corruption within the organization.
Tarun Shridhar, Director General of the Indian Food and Agriculture Council and a former IAS officer, has also weighed in on the matter. In his article titled “Hume Kshama Kar Dena Vimal Negi”, he highlighted the apathy of the higher bureaucracy towards governance in the state, stating that such neglect weakens institutions and systems.
Employees of HPPCL and Negi’s family members have also submitted statements indicating a toxic work culture within the corporation.
“The tragedy that has befallen Er. Vimal Negi seems to be a result of coercion exerted by the most corrupt, dishonest, high headed and incapable MD, Shri Harikesh Meena and his henchman, another corrupt, dishonest and rude officer Er. Desh Raj, Director (Electrical) on an upright and technically competent officer to follow their dictates at the cost of technical and financial prudence, and asking him to sign various papers and threatening him with dire consequences, ” stated Sunil Grover in a deposition to ACS(Home and Revenue) Onkar Sharma. Adding, “Moreover, it is learnt from the reliable sources that for the last six months he was not allowed even a single day’s leave.”
AIPEF has urged immediate action against those responsible, warning that failure to act will further erode trust in the system and demoralize power engineers across the country.
The inquiry into Negi’s suicide is ongoing, with increasing pressure on the government to take stringent action against those implicated.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
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