Shimla, March. Bisheshar Negi. – The tragic death of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer and General Manager (GM) of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), has sent shockwaves across the state. His family’s serious allegations have turned this into more than just a personal tragedy, sparking a broader debate on mental harassment and accountability within the government system.
Family’s Shocking Claim – “This Was Not Suicide, He Was Forced”
Negi’s family has alleged that he was being mentally harassed by senior officials. His wife, Kiran Negi, stated in her police complaint, “My husband was under tremendous pressure for the past several days. He had raised his voice against certain officials’ misconduct, and as a result, he was constantly harassed.”
Body Found After 10 Days, But Questions Remain
Vimal Negi had been missing since March 10, and his body was discovered on March 18 in the Govind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur district. The biggest question now is: why was there no trace of him for so long? Was this truly a case of suicide, or is there a larger conspiracy waiting to be uncovered?
Government’s Action – Is It Enough?
Taking swift action, the state government has removed HPPCL’s Managing Director (MD) Harikesh Meena and Director (Electrical) Deshraj from their positions with immediate effect. In their place, 2012-batch IAS officer Rakesh Prajapati has been appointed as the new MD. Additionally, Additional Chief Secretary (Home & Revenue) Omkar Sharma has been directed to submit a report within 15 days.
Employee Outrage and Demand for Fair Investigation
HPPCL employees have expressed strong discontent over the incident, highlighting the rising cases of workplace harassment in government offices. One employee said, “We are in shock. If a senior officer like him was not safe, what about the rest of us?”
Is Workplace Harassment in Government Offices a Common Issue?
This case is not just about one person’s death; it brings to light the pressing issue of workplace harassment in government offices. The real question is whether the government is taking meaningful steps to reform the system or just engaging in symbolic actions.
The Next 15 Days Are Crucial
With the government’s investigation report expected in 15 days, the case has already sparked political turmoil. Opposition parties have started questioning the government’s accountability and are demanding justice for Negi’s family. It remains to be seen whether this case will lead to real reforms or fade away as just another investigation.