Fact-finding probe into HPPCL engineer’s death reveals toxic workplace, show-cause notice for casual leave, threat message

The inquiry conducted by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Onkar Sharma revealed a threatening message sent to Negi —“Aap problem mein aa jaoge (You will land in trouble)” — from the then director (electrical) Desh Raj in February, demanding that he reduce the delay in the Pekhubella Solar Power Project in Una from 45 to 23 days, besides the toxic work conditions for women employees at the HPPCL Corporate Office in New Shimla.

Sharma submitted his report before Justice Ajay Mohan Goel of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on May 20. The findings were cited in the court’s detailed order dated May 23, in which Justice Goel directed that the police investigation into the matter be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said: “I had asked ACS Onkar Sharma to conduct a fact-finding inquiry into the allegations. When the officer submitted the report, I told him to once again confront the officials against whom allegations were raised by HPPCL employees.”

Sharma, however, declined to re-examine the officers while replying to the state power secretary that he had been directed to conduct a fact-finding probe, and that cross-questioning or confrontation was appropriate only during a formal departmental inquiry. He submitted the report directly to the high court, bypassing the office of the Advocate General Anup Rattan.

In his report, ACS Sharma noted: “There is evidence on record that Desh Raj, director (Electrical), used to humiliate and use unparliamentary and foul language towards the late Vimal Negi. Almost all witnesses stated that Desh Raj’s behaviour created a toxic environment at the HPPCL Corporate Office in Shimla. Employees submitted representations regarding the hostile work atmosphere, but no concrete action was taken by authorities.”

Desh Raj, in his statement to the ACS, had claimed that he had a friendly relationship with Negi. However, the probe contradicted this claim. “The conduct of Desh Raj is not appreciable under the circumstances,” the report noted. “A public office is considered a second home, and mutual respect is essential. In this light, the treatment meted out to a senior officer like Vimal Negi was unwarranted, both by Desh Raj and then MD Harikesh Meena, IAS.”

Referencing the testimony of Manish Chaudhary, DGM (electrical), the report stated: “He was Member Secretary of the Extension of Time (EOT) Committee, chaired by Vimal Negi, to assess delays in the Pekhubella Solar Project. He and Negi were called by Desh Raj while finalising the draft proceedings of the Committee meeting held on February 27–28, 2025, and were pressured to reduce the delay period from 45 to 23 days. Desh Raj even threatened them, saying, ‘Aap problem mein aa jaoge.’”

While the inquiry confirmed that Negi had been served show cause notices even for taking casual leave, the ACS did not find evidence supporting the claim that leave was routinely denied. “The deceased submitted a detailed reply explaining that he had to leave early for Rampur and had emailed at 6.15 am and called the Director (E) at 10 am. Even so, an explanation was demanded—reflecting non-cooperation. Moreover, the urgency for his presence in office on October 18, 2024, was not clarified in the notice,” the report said.

Another troubling detail from the inquiry revealed that Desh Raj frequently summoned Negi from his second-floor office to the fifth floor, where he was made to stand for hours with files and was not even offered a chair. “Witnesses further revealed that employees often worked 11 to 14 hours a day. Biometric records showed that women employees were present in the office even after 9 pm. While some women stated they didn’t mind working late, they pointed to the lack of basic facilities like transportation.”

The report pointed out that the then HPPCL Corporate Office Managing Director Harikesh Meena, when asked about the situation, stated: “I am not aware as to what arrangement was available in HPPCL office for conveyance of lady officer who used to sit in the office late hours”. Similarly, Desh Raj, “while being confronted during his examination qua the aforesaid situation stated that it was for the Estate Department to provide for transportation of lady officers,” the report stated.

“The tone and tenor of these two officers goes to show that they are hardly bothered about the well-being and safety of lady officers. Even these three officers, namely Harikesh Meena, IAS, Shivam Pratap Singh, IAS, and Desh Raj are not aware as to how long their subordinate employees remained seated in HPPCL, Corporate Office, Shimla,” it added.

Regarding Negi’s health, the report noted: “Vimal Negi joined the HPPCL Corporate Office on June 15, 2024, upon promotion as Chief Engineer/General Manager. A prescription slip from Mahatma Gandhi Medical Service Complex, Khaneri, Rampur Bushahr, shows he sought treatment on July 1, 2024, at 11.44 am for depressive illness, with symptoms of depression and palpitations. It is unclear whether this condition predated his promotion or emerged afterward. He subsequently went on medical leave from July 1 to 22, 2024. This timeline merits further expert investigation.”

After Negi’s death, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered under charges of abetment to suicide. Desh Raj was suspended, and Harikesh Meena was transferred from HPPCL.