The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of Vimal Negi, a chief engineer at Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), has uncovered a criminal conspiracy involving his superiors. Negi died by suicide last year after alleged harassment over a Rs 220-crore solar power project in Una district.
Details of the Case
Negi went missing from Shimla on March 10, 2025, and his body was recovered on March 18 from the Satluj river in Bilaspur district. A medical board confirmed asphyxia due to ante-mortem drowning as the cause of death, occurring between March 10 and 11.
The chargesheet, submitted to the special CBI court in Shimla on March 31, names managing director Harikesh Meena (IAS) and director (electrical) Desh Raj as key accused. It states they subjected Negi to continuous harassment and illegal professional pressure, creating a hostile environment that drove him to suicide.
Evidence Tampering
The CBI also indicted Assistant Sub-Inspector Pankaj Sharma for misappropriating a pen drive recovered from Negi's body and destroying digital evidence to obstruct justice. Sharma was arrested in September 2025 but later granted bail. Meena and Raj secured anticipatory bail from the high court and Supreme Court, respectively.
Project Background
The 32 MW Pekhubela solar power project in Una district was awarded to an Ahmedabad-based firm in May 2023. It faced missed deadlines, and Negi was allegedly pressured to facilitate irregular clearances.
The CBI urged the court to summon, try, and punish Meena, Raj, and Sharma as per law. The chargesheet reads: From the facts and circumstances, it is clear Negi was under immense pressure and committed suicide due to frustration, humiliation, insult, pressure, and abuse by accused Desh Raj and Harikesh Meena.
Court Intervention
Following harassment allegations by Negi's family after his death, the Himachal Pradesh High Court transferred the case from Shimla police to the CBI on May 23, 2025, citing concerns over the initial investigation.
