Vimal Negi Birthday Observes as Anti-CorruptionDay: HPSEBL Unions Lock Horns with the Sukhu Sarkar

: Category: Latest; Published: 24 April 2025

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Negi Death Turns Flashpoint: HPSEBL Observes Anti-Corruption Day, But Will Sukhu Sarkar Act?

SHIMLA: At the HPSEBL headquarters in here today, engineers, employees, and pensioners gathered to mark Anti-Corruption Day on the birth anniversary of late Er. Vimal Negi — the Chief Engineer, HPPCL whose body was found in Bhakra Dam under mysterious circumstances on March 18 after he went missing from his office on March 10, 2025.

But while slogans were raised and pledges taken, the rot in the system remained untouched.

The late Er. Negi didn’t end his life — he was pushed to the edge by a system knee-deep in organized corruption, toxic work culture, and official apathy.

His death has become a symbol of everything that’s wrong within the power corridors of Himachal.

The Joint Action Committee — led by Er. Lokesh Thakur (Convener), Heera Lal Verma (Co-Convener), and Er. Suneel Grover (Patron, All India Power Engineers Federation) — slammed the state government’s continued silence.

“The FIR names are out, the harassment is documented, yet those responsible are untouched, enjoying impunity under government protection,” thundered Er. Grover.

They demanded immediate dismissal of the accused under Article 311 of the Constitution and criminal prosecution.

The protestors pledged to fight corruption with honesty, transparency, and courage — the very ideals that cost Negi his life.

But the big question hangs heavy: Why is the government shielding the accused?

The SIT is in cold storage, the Onkar Chand Sharma committee report is collecting dust, and the Negi family has been forced to seek justice from the High Court, demanding a CBI probe.

The silence of CM Sukhu is no longer just questionable — it’s damning. Will he suspend Meena and move to contest Deshraj’s bail in the Supreme Court?

Or will he continue playing safe while the public rage spills onto the streets?

Even the opposition BJP hax backed the Negi family’s call for a CBI investigation.

Meanwhile, the people — from engineers to ordinary citizens — are watching, and they are angry.

The engineering fraternity have taken a pledge today, that should prompt the government to act fast, before things go out of hand.

#JusticeForVimalNegi #FightCorruption #SackTheAccused #CBIProbeNow #NegiKoNyayDo

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CHANDIGARH/SHIMLA: Over 13,000 trains crisscross India every day, but there’s only one that runs not just on tracks—but on the spirit of humanity. Meet the Sachkhand Express, the only train in the country where passengers are served free breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout a journey that stretches nearly 35 hours—no charges, no conditions.

Running between Nanded in Maharashtra and Amritsar in Punjab, Sachkhand Express (12715) covers nearly 2,000 kilometers, connecting two of Sikhism’s holiest places. But the magic of this train lies not in its route, speed, or tech—but in its soul.

Here’s what sets it apart: Onboard this train, you’ll find fresh, home-cooked meals served with a warm smile by Sikh volunteers.

No pantry car, no IRCTC, no QR code to scan. Just simple, wholesome food—kadhi-chawal, roti-sabzi, and more—cooked in nearby Gurudwaras and brought directly to your seat as part of the Sikh tradition of langar, where everyone is served equally, with dignity.

And this isn’t a one-time show. This act of kindness has been rolling strong since 1995.

Across stations like Aurangabad, Bhopal, Jhansi, Gwalior, Delhi, Ludhiana, and more, volunteers hop on with containers full of food, asking for nothing but an empty plate—and an open heart. Passengers are encouraged to carry their own tiffin or plate. That’s it.

The journey begins at Nanded, home to Hazur Sahib, one of the five takhts (seats of temporal authority) of Sikhism.

It is where Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, spent his final days. For Sikhs, the spiritual energy of this place is unmatched. Boarding the train here feels like a pilgrimage in motion.

Along the way, the train passes through several spiritual and cultural hubs.

Bhopal has historical Sikh ties; Jhansi and Gwalior carry echoes of the freedom struggle.

Then comes Delhi, where Gurudwara Bangla Sahib stands tall in the heart of the capital—a symbol of service and resilience.

The journey finally touches Ludhiana, a city rich in Sikh heritage, before heading towards its final spiritual stop.

Amritsar, the final destination, is home to the Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib)—the holiest shrine of Sikhism.

Thousands bow their heads here every day, and when Sachkhand Express rolls in, it feels like the journey has come full circle—from one sacred land to another.

But perhaps the most beautiful part of it all is this: the Sikh community never advertises it.

No posters, no influencers, no photo-ops. Unlike modern Hindu godmen who promote every morsel they give away, these volunteers simply serve and disappear, leaving behind full stomachs and fuller hearts.

It’s a moving lesson in humility, faith, and shared humanity.

The Sachkhand Express isn’t just a train. It’s a spiritual experience on rails.

It reminds us that kindness and Valour that Great Sikh Gurus Taught us, when served without ego, can travel thousands of kilometers—and still stay grounded.

I can only bow in respect wearing the Turban to these tireless volunteers who turn a regular train journey into a soul-touching experience.

#SikhSewaOnWheels #SachkhandExpress #HumanityInMotion #LangarWithoutLimits

News

HP CM Sukhu Pleads for Green Bonus, More Funds from Finance Commission

Himachal CM Pleads for More Funds, But Will Delhi Listen?

Shimla, May 23:

With the hill state reeling under mounting financial stress and disaster recovery burdens, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu knocked on the doors of the Finance Commission in New Delhi on Friday, demanding an increase in central funds and special consideration for Himachal Pradesh’s unique challenges.

In a high-stakes meeting with Finance Commission Chairman Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Sukhu, accompanied by top state officials, submitted an additional memorandum and made a fervent plea to recognise the “ecological services” the state provides the nation.

From seeking a long-pending green bonus for maintaining forest cover and fragile ecosystems to highlighting the dent in revenues due to reduced GST compensation, the Chief Minister urged that the Centre must stop overlooking the hill states' genuine concerns.

“We are not asking for charity,” Sukhu reportedly asserted. “Himachal deserves its due for preserving the environment and bearing the brunt of natural calamities.”

He emphasized that the Revenue Deficit Grant must be enhanced instead of being gradually phased out — a move that would only deepen the fiscal crisis in the state.

Sources say the presentation made by state officials laid bare the stark contrast between Himachal’s financial needs and the current allocations. Yet, what remains to be seen is whether the Commission will convert assurances into action.

Dr. Panagariya assured that the Commission would “consider” the submission — a standard diplomatic response that did little to assure those concerned about the state’s deepening resource crunch.

The CM was accompanied by his top brass: Principal Advisor Ram Subhag Singh, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Principal Secretary Finance Devesh Kumar, and Secretary to CM Rakesh Kanwar.

Now the ball is in the Commission's court. Will Himachal get more than just polite nods and sympathetic smiles — or is it yet another routine Delhi visit with a heavy file and light outcomes?

#HimachalBudgetCrisis #FundTheHills #GreenBonusNow #GSTCompensationDemand

Hydro Power

Lahaul-Spiti Residents Stage Protest against Seli and Miyar Power Projects on the Chandra- Bhagha and Miyar Rivers

Massive Protest in Udaipur, Lahaul-Spiti Against Mega Hydropower Projects; Tribals Send Strong Message to Sukhu Government

Udaipur (Lahaul-Spiti), May 23:

Over 1,500 residents of the Lahaul Valley staged a massive protest rally in Udaipur against the proposed mega hydropower projects in the region, including the controversial 400 MW Seli and 120 MW Miyar projects on the Chandra Bhaga rivers.

The rally, led by the Lahaul-Spiti Ekta Manch and Udaipur Mandal’s panchayat representatives, began at the historic Mrikula Mata temple and culminated at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s (SDM) office, where a memorandum was submitted to the Governor and Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.

The protestors raised strong objections to nearly 18 proposed hydropower projects in Lahaul, citing ecological, cultural, and livelihood concerns.

Sudarshan Jaspa, convenor of the rally and president of Ekta Manch, demanded the immediate cancellation of the MoU signed between the Himachal Pradesh and Telangana governments for the Seli and Miyar projects.

He invoked the special protections granted to tribal areas under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution.

Himalayan Policy Campaign convenor Guman Singh called on all Lahaul residents to stand united and resist these “commission-driven” projects.

“There is already surplus electricity in the country. These projects serve political and corporate greed, not public need,” he asserted.

Koksar Panchayat Pradhan Sachin Merupa urged the people to fight for the very existence of Lahaul Valley and intensify the movement further.

Former Himachal minister Dr. Ram Lal Markanda warned that these projects would lead to large-scale displacement. “No Lahauli will accept this. If any such activity starts, we’ll push them out of the district,” he said defiantly.

Ajay from the Save Lahaul-Spiti Campaign echoed the sentiment, calling on all political parties, local bodies, and citizens to set aside differences and unite in opposition. “Every Lahauli holds deep emotional ties to this land. We will not let our soil be sold,” he stated.

Among those present were Zila Parishad member Mahinder Singh, BDC members Sheela Devi, Rita Thakur, Rakesh, and several panchayat heads including Laxman Thakur, Dinesh, Heerchand, Nirmala, Premdasi, Gopal Gaur, Khushal Chand, Surender Thakur, Ravinder, and Vikas Jaspa.

The protest signals rising trouble for the Sukhu government, as the tribal population of Lahaul-Spiti sends a clear message: no hydropower projects at the cost of their homeland.

Bar and Bench

Himachal Pradesh High Court Refers Crucial Legal Question on Quashing FIR under Section 326 IPC to Larger Bench

Shimla — A significant legal debate has emerged in the Himachal Pradesh High Court regarding the quashing of First Information Reports (FIRs) registered under Section 326 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with voluntarily causing grievous hurt.

In the matter of Vishal Kishore @ Vicky vs. State of H.P. & another (Cr.MMO No. 81 of 2025), the Court observed conflicting decisions from different Benches on whether an FIR under Section 326 IPC can be quashed on the basis of a compromise between the parties involved.

During proceedings on May 2, 2025, the Court noted that a 2013 judgment by a Coordinate Bench in Kishore Kumar @ Kishore vs State of H.P. had taken a strict stance, emphasizing that offences under Section 326 IPC are against society and have serious implications.

According to that ruling, such FIRs cannot be quashed merely because the parties have compromised.

However, subsequent judgments by other Benches in cases like Ram Kumar & others vs. State of H.P. (2016), Naresh Katoch vs. State of H.P. (2019), Kartik Sharma & others vs. State of H.P. (2020), and Naykan Kamdak & others vs. State of H.P. (2020) took a more lenient approach, permitting quashing of FIRs under Section 326 IPC based on compromise.

The Court observed that the earlier Kishore judgment was not cited in these later cases, leading to divergent views within the Himachal Pradesh judiciary on this important legal issue.

Given the conflicting precedents, the Court ruled that this question requires resolution by a Larger Bench to provide an authoritative decision on:

“Whether the Court can quash the FIR registered for the commission of an offence punishable under Section 326 of IPC based on the compromise under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code.”

The matter will now be placed before the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court to decide on the constitution of the Larger Bench for a final ruling.

Advocate Ganesh Barowalia appeared for the petitioner, Additional Advocate General Lokender Kutheria represented the State, and Advocate Shivam Sharma appeared for the other respondent.

The judgment has been reserved since April 9, 2025, and this recent development signals a crucial step towards clarifying the law on compromise in grievous hurt cases in Himachal Pradesh.

Bar and Bench

Vimal Negi's Death Mystery-1: Solar Power Scam or Systemic Rot? Court Slams SIT for ‘Shoddy’ Probe into HPPCL Official’s Mysterious Death

Shimla, May 23, 2025:
In a scathing rebuke to the Special Investigation Team (SIT), the High Court has slammed the ongoing probe into the suspicious death of senior HPPCL officer Vimal Negi, calling the investigation lacklustre and blind to the bigger conspiracy.

The court said that despite damning revelations by multiple witnesses, the SIT has failed to probe how top officials allegedly coerced Negi to favour a private contractor.

The case revolves around the Pekhubella Solar Power Project in Hamirpur, where senior HPPCL officials allegedly pressured Negi to manipulate project timelines and revenue projections in favour of M/s Prozeal Infra Engineering Pvt Ltd.

According to the inquiry report submitted by the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), multiple employees, including PW-20 Manish Chaudhary (DGM, Electrical), testified that Negi and he were pressured by Shri Desh Raj, Director (Electrical), to reduce the assessed delay of the contractor from 45 to 23 days.

Chaudhary alleged that Desh Raj even threatened them with consequences, saying “Aap problem mein aa jaoge.”

Another explosive revelation came from PW-5 Rajnish Katoch, Senior Manager at HPPCL, who said Desh Raj forced Negi to inflate the project’s revenue estimates from ₹19 crore to ₹25 crore just before the Vidhan Sabha session.

Similar claims were made by PW-15 Bipan Guleria, who alleged Negi was pushed to clear a 10% project payment to Prozeal even though mandatory Board approvals were pending.

Guleria’s notings show how Desh Raj bypassed protocol and tried to release payments prematurely—raising serious questions about collusion and corruption at the top.

“Systemic Pressure” Led to Negi’s Death?

Negi, who served as General Manager (Electrical), was later found dead under mysterious circumstances between March 13 and 14, 2025. While his family suspected foul play from day one, the SIT, formed on March 19, has so far failed to unearth key evidence.

The court questioned why the SIT did not investigate what happened between March 10–13, the critical days leading up to Negi’s death. It also expressed shock that the SIT’s affidavit merely described the accused’s conduct as “improper behaviour” without probing the financial pressure and mental harassment angle.

"Had the SIT been prudent enough to investigate this from the perspective of the officers' testimonies and the deceased’s family, the petitioner wouldn't have needed to knock on our doors," observed the court.

To make matters worse, the court was informed that a pen drive found on Negi's body—reportedly containing crucial evidence—was tampered with, and the Superintendent of Police (Shimla) allegedly withheld documents even from the Director General of Police.

Deep-rooted Nexus?

The court hinted at a "deep-rooted conspiracy" involving Director (Electrical) Desh Raj and Managing Director Harikesh Meena, IAS, and called for a detailed probe by an expert agency. The inquiry report accuses both of bypassing rules, exerting mental pressure on employees, and favouring the private firm in violation of official procedures.

"There is enough material to suggest mental harassment not just of the deceased but of other HPPCL officials as well during the tenure of Desh Raj and Harikesh Meena," the report noted.

Yet, despite the evidence, the SIT appears more interested in painting Negi as mentally unstable. The court was visibly upset over the SIT’s reliance on a psychiatric evaluation to attribute his death to “psychological stress,” without linking it back to the work environment or coercive actions of his superiors.

What Next?

With damning statements, botched evidence handling, and accused officials allegedly manipulating the system, the court has clearly indicated that the case needs a fresh, unbiased investigation by a professional agency.

It also underscored that whistleblowers within HPPCL deserve protection, and the family of late Vimal Negi deserves justice.

Stay tuned to Himbumail.com for more exclusive updates on the unfolding solar power scandal.

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