SHIMLA: In a significant development in the death case of former Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has reportedly filed a chargesheet before a Special CBI Court alleging that sustained pressure from senior officials over irregular approvals and payments in the ₹220-crore Pekhubela Solar Power Project subjected the officer to severe mental harassment before his death.
According to sources, the chargesheet pertains to the implementation of the 32-MW Pekhubela Solar Energy Project in Una district, where the agency has allegedly found multiple irregularities.
According to sources, CBI claims that despite delays in execution and incomplete works, efforts were made to facilitate payments to the contractor by suppressing adverse observations and objections raised by technical officers.
The chargesheet reportedly names former HPPCL Managing Director Harikesh Meena and former Director (Electrical) Des Raj, accusing them of criminal conspiracy and misuse of official position in connection with project-related decisions.
Sources familiar with the investigation said the agency has alleged that objections recorded in official files regarding incomplete works and procedural shortcomings were overridden, while subordinate officers were pressured to clear files and approve payments.
The CBI reportedly maintains that Vimal Negi was repeatedly subjected to professional pressure linked to these decisions, causing him considerable mental distress.
The case had triggered widespread outrage across Himachal Pradesh after Negi went missing from the HPPCL office in Shimla on March 8, 2025. Following a massive search operation, his body was recovered from the Bhakra Dam reservoir on March 18, 2025, deepening suspicions surrounding the circumstances leading to his death.
The tragedy sparked sustained protests by Negi's family members and supporters, who staged demonstrations outside the HPPCL headquarters in Shimla and demanded action against officials they held responsible.
The protests continued until the FIR was lodged. BUT suspected officials were not named in FIR and the investigation WAS later handed over to CBI on HP High Court order.
Sources said the CBI's findings are based on documentary evidence, file notings, internal correspondence and statements of officials associated with the project.
The agency has reportedly concluded that negative remarks concerning project execution were suppressed while approvals and payments were pushed through in favour of the contractor.
Meanwhile, both officers named in the chargesheet have since moved to new assignments. Harikesh Meena is presently serving in a Central Government posting related to skill development, while Des Raj has been posted in the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited.
Legal proceedings in the matter are continuing. The CBI chargesheet has now brought the allegations formally before the trial court, while a separate legal battle remains pending before the Supreme Court of India in connection with the bail application filed by Des Raj.
