The body of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), who had been missing since March 10, was recovered from the Bhakra Dam on March 18. However, his death has raised serious questions about the functioning of HPPCL.

Negi’s wife has made shocking allegations, linking her husband’s death to the ₹220 crore solar power project in Pekhubela, Una district. This 32 MW solar power project was inaugurated by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on December 3, 2023, and was completed in record eight months.

On Wednesday, Negi’s family staged a massive protest outside the HPPCL office, placing his body at the site and accusing the corporation of large-scale corruption. The family specifically pointed to irregularities in the Una solar power project and demanded a thorough investigation. As a result, the state’s biggest solar energy project has now come under scrutiny, leaving many questioning its possible link to Negi’s death.

The deceased officer’s family has demanded the suspension of HPPCL’s Managing Director, IAS officer Harikesh Meena, and Director Desh Raj, blaming them for Negi’s death. Their anger erupted in the presence of Kinnaur MLA and Cabinet Minister Jagat Singh Negi.

Notably, IAS officer Harikesh Meena has been mired in controversies before, with HPPCL employees staging protests against him from Shimla to Una. However, the controversy surrounding Vimal Negi’s death appears to be a major setback for him.

Negi’s family has also demanded that a murder case be registered against both officials and that several major HPPCL projects be investigated thoroughly.