Himachal Pradesh government suspends official over chief engineer’s death; probe ordered

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government has suspended Director (Electrical) Desraj in connection with the death of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi. Following the suspension, Desraj’s headquarters has been shifted to the Secretary Power Office.

The family of the deceased has also demanded the suspension of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) MD Harikesh Meena and Director (Personnel) Shivam Pratap.

Negi’s family members staged a protest at BCS, blocking the BCS-New Shimla road since 4 p.m. on Wednesday. They continued their demonstration with the deceased’s body late into the night. Around 10:15 p.m., four state ministers—Jagat Singh Negi, Anirudh Singh, Vikramaditya, and Rajesh Dharmani—reached the protest site, urging the family to call off the strike.

Meanwhile, police have registered an FIR at the New Shimla police station based on a complaint by Negi’s wife. The state government has handed over the investigation to Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Onkar Sharma, directing him to complete the probe within 15 days. The Power Secretary has issued orders for the inquiry.

Additionally, the government has removed HPPCL MD Harikesh Meena and Director Desraj from their positions. IAS officer Rakesh Kumar Prajapati has been appointed as the new MD of Power Corporation, while Surendra Kumar has been given charge as Director. The deceased’s family continues to demand the suspension of Director (Personnel) Shivam Pratap.