Inquiry ordered into HPPCL GM's suspicious death

The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, announced an inquiry into the death of Vimal Negi, a chief engineer at Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL). The inquiry will be led by an additional chief secretary. Negi had been missing since March 10. His body was found near Gobind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur on Tuesday. Opposition leader Jai Ram Thakur has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, questioning whether Negi's death was a suicide or murder. Sukhu assured that police action will follow the rules and law. Onkar Sharma, the ACS for home and revenue, will conduct a detailed investigation in 15 days. This will involve Negi's family and colleagues. To maintain the integrity of the inquiry, HPPCL's managing director Harikesh Meena and director electrical Desh Raj have been temporarily relieved of their duties. Negi's family claims he was under significant stress from work. They also offered a reward for information about his whereabouts during his disappearance. On Wednesday afternoon, HPPCL officials and Negi's family brought his body to the corporation office in Shimla for last respects. During a visit by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, attendees protested against the government, demanding accountability from senior HPPCL officers.