Shimla, March 26,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has rejected the anticipatory bail application of Desh Raj, former Director of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), who is accused of abetment to suicide in connection with the death of engineer Vimal Negi. Negi’s body was recovered from Bhakra Dam earlier this month, sparking a high-profile legal battle.
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“ The cumulative effect of the above discussion is that no case for grant of relief, in favour of the applicant, under Section 482 of the BNSS, is made out, at this stage. Hence, the bail application is dismissed, noted the court.
The case, registered as FIR No. 9 of 2025 at New Shimla Police Station under Sections 108 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), stems from a complaint filed by Kiran Negi, the deceased’s widow. She alleges that her husband was subjected to severe mental harassment and overwork by senior HPPCL officials, including Desh Raj and the Managing Director, leading to his suicide.
Vimal Negi had been reported missing on March 10, and his body was discovered in Govind Sagar, Bilaspur, on March 18. The complainant accused the officials of intentionally forcing her husband to work late nights and denying him leave even when he was ill, along with repeated threats of administrative action.
In the court proceedings, Desh Raj’s counsel argued for anticipatory bail, citing his innocence and respectable standing in society. However, the prosecution presented status reports indicating that the investigation had revealed evidence corroborating the complainant’s allegations. These included statements from witnesses, biometric attendance records showing excessive working hours, and CCTV footage indicating the deceased was under significant stress.
The court noted the seriousness of the allegations and the influential position held by Desh Raj, raising concerns about potential tampering with witnesses and evidence. The court also highlighted that the applicant was absconding, and not cooperating with the investigation. The court also noted that the investigation is in initial stages, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the case.
The court dismissed the bail application, emphasizing that the investigation is at a crucial stage and that custodial interrogation might be necessary. The court also clarified that any observations made were solely for the purpose of deciding the bail application and should not be considered an opinion on the merits of the case.
Status of other accused
According to sources, one of the main accused, an HPPCL employee, allegedly fled to Chandigarh after Negi’s body was discovered and is now suspected to be in Rajasthan.
So now as the case remains under investigation, and further developments are awaited as law enforcement agencies continue their search for the other accused individuals.
