Family of deceased Engineer raises concerns over State probe, eyes Judicial route
Shimla, May 16,
Nearly two months after the body of former Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (HPPCL) Chief Engineer Vimal Negi was recovered from Bhakra Dam, serious questions are being raised about the transparency and intent of the ongoing state-led investigation. The Janjatiya Nyay Manch, spearheaded by retired Captain Rajinder Singh Negi—maternal uncle of the deceased—has now threatened to approach the High Court after being denied access to the findings of a committee report led by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Onkar Sharma.
Addressing a press conference in Shimla, Capt. Negi alleged that the government is protecting those truly responsible for Negi’s death. He pointed out that instead of investigating the financial dealings of the accused, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is focusing on the deceased officer’s own bank records. Capt. Negi also stated that despite reports suggesting the ACS committee had flagged financial irregularities within the HPPCL and revealed how Negi was made to work under severe stress, the report remains classified and inaccessible—even under the Right to Information Act.
The family had earlier submitted a formal complaint to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. In her statement, Vimal Negi’s widow, Kiran Negi, claimed her husband had been forced to work long hours late into the night under pressure. The Chief Minister had then assured the family that both the SIT investigation and the ACS report would be completed and shared within 15 days. However, nearly two months later, neither has been made public, and no key arrests have been made in the case.
Adding to the family’s frustration, the Janjatiya Nyay Manch condemned the ruling party’s silence, pointing out that no Congress leader participated in the condolence march organized in Shimla to seek justice for Vimal Negi. Capt. Negi described this absence as deeply disappointing and reflective of political indifference.
Further fueling suspicions, the SIT has reportedly contradicted its own court submissions. While it initially claimed that Vimal Negi’s mobile phone was missing, it later stated the device had been recovered and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Junga. Capt. Negi alleged that such inconsistencies suggest an attempt to buy time and protect influential individuals tied to the case, once again pressing for a CBI investigation.
With increasing doubts about the fairness of the ongoing probe and mounting signs of institutional shielding, the Janjatiya Nyay Manch has resolved to approach the judiciary to ensure that justice is not denied.
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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