Supreme Court extends interim protection to Desh Raj in Vimal Negi death case

Himachalscape bureau July 22, 2025 2 minutes read

Shimla, July 22,

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On Tuesday, the Supreme Court extended interim protection to Desh Raj, the Director (Electrical) of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), who is accused in the abetment to suicide case involving HPPCL Chief Engineer Vimal Negi. In its ruling in Special Leave Petition (Crl.) No. 4889 of 2025, the court directed Desh Raj to continue cooperating with the ongoing investigation conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

A bench consisting of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice S.V.N. Bhatti held that the “larger interest of justice” necessitates the inclusion of both the CBI and the complainant as parties in this matter. Senior Advocate Siddhartha Dave, along with Advocate Astha Singh, represented the petitioner, while Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.D. Sanjay represented the State of Himachal Pradesh and the CBI. Advocate Rana Ranjit Singh appeared for the complainant.

The court instructed the petitioner’s counsel to submit a corrected memo of parties within a week. Additionally, it granted liberty to the newly added parties, including the CBI and the complainant, to file their counter-affidavits. The matter has been scheduled for the next hearing on August 21, 2025.

The bench clarified that the interim order safeguarding Desh Raj from coercive action remains in effect and reiterated that he must fully cooperate with the ongoing probe.

Vimal Negi, a senior officer of the HPPCL, went missing from the corporation’s New Shimla headquarters on March 10. His body was subsequently discovered in the Bhakra Dam on March 18, prompting allegations of workplace harassment by senior officials. In addition to IAS officer Harikesh Meena, Desh Raj is accused by Negi’s family of aiding and abetting his suicide.

The case, which is currently under investigation by the CBI, has garnered substantial attention, with both the Himachal Pradesh High Court and the Supreme Court closely monitoring the unfolding events.

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