Shimla/ Bilaspur, March 18,
A body was recovered from Govindsagar Lake in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, on Tuesday morning, believed to be that of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer (Electrical) of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), who had been missing for nine days.
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Police have taken the body into custody and called Negi’s family for identification. A postmortem examination will be conducted before the body is handed over to the family.
According to reports, local fishermen spotted a body floating in the dam and immediately alerted authorities. Police promptly arrived at the scene and retrieved the body, bringing an emotional end to the extensive search operation launched after Negi’s disappearance on March 10.
Negi, a well-known figure in the state’s power sector, had left his home for the office on March 10 but did not return. He was last seen in Bilaspur district, with CCTV footage capturing his movements. His sudden disappearance had prompted multiple appeals from his family to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, and the police for urgent intervention. The Chief Minister had assured all possible efforts to locate him, and the issue was even raised in the state assembly.
His family has alleged that Negi faced mental harassment at his workplace, attributing his disappearance to a toxic work environment within HPPCL. They have filed complaints with higher officials, accusing the administration of subjecting employees to undue stress and pressure. These claims have ignited a broader debate on employee welfare and workplace conditions in state-run corporations.
Raising the matter in the assembly, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur urged the Chief Minister to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the circumstances surrounding Negi’s disappearance.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh has expressed deep grief over the unfortunate demise of Chief Engineer-cum-General Manager, Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL)Vimal Negi, who had been missing for the past few days.
In his condolence message, the Chief Minister said that Vimal Negi’s dedicated services to the state will always be remembered. He was an outstanding and upright officer. He acknowledged his contributions to the power sector and lauded his professional commitment. Sukhu said that State Government is with the bereaved family members at this hour of grief.
So as the investigation unfolds, the State government has pledged full support to authorities in uncovering the truth behind Negi’s disappearance and death.
