Himachal govt reinstates Desh Raj, accused in Vimal Negi death case

The Himachal Pradesh government Thursday reinstated suspended Desh Raj, one of the accused in the mysterious death of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, as Chief Engineer with the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB).

Desh Raj was Director (Electrical) with the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (HPPCL) when Negi had disappeared on March 10. Negi’s body was found on the banks of Bhakra dam in Bilaspur district on March 18. The subsequent protests led to the registration of an FIR and suspension of Desh Raj. Another IAS officer, Harikesh Meena, was transferred from the post of managing director, HPPCL. Desh Raj is currently on interim bail from the apex court.

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Reacting to Desh Raj’s reinstatement, Negi’s wife termed it the real face of the state government. In a statement, she said, “The government’s action of reinstating a suspect in the mysterious death of her husband is questionable and biased.”

The BJP also attacked the state government. BJP leader from Kinnaur, Surat Negi, said, “The state government’s real face has been exposed. This government is with the errant officials instead of the kin of victim, who died because of his honesty towards his duties.” The CBI is investigating Negi’s mysterious death.