Chief engineer’s death case: Former HPPCL MD gets interim protection from arrest till May 2

Extending interim relief, the high court single bench of justice Virender Singh has directed Meena to join investigation while restraining the police from taking any coercive action against Menna in connection with the FIR

Himachal Pradesh high court on Wednesday extended interim relief to former managing director Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) Harikesh Meena, during resumed hearing of his anticipatory bail in the abetment to suicide case registered after death of chief engineer-cum-general manager of the corporation, Vimal Negi.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has filed a supplementary status report before the high court, details of which remain unknown. (HT File)

Extending interim relief, the high court single bench of justice Virender Singh has directed Meena to join investigation while restraining the police from taking any coercive action against Menna in connection with the FIR.

The case is now listed for May 2.

Negi’s body was recovered from Bhakra Dam in Bilaspur on March 18, eight days after he was reported missing on March 10. His family has alleged that Negi was under immense mental stress and was being harassed by senior officials at HPPCL.

Following a complaint filed by his wife Kiran Negi, the police registered a case of abetment to suicide on March 22. In her complaint, Kiran accused top HPPCL officials, including director (electrical) Desh Raj, the corporation’s managing director of mental harassment and alleged mistreatment despite Negi’s deteriorating health.

Advocate NS Chandel, representing Meena, said “The court has barred any coercive steps till the next date.”

Earlier, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to co-accused Desh Raj on April 4 restraining coercive measures until July 22, 2025. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has filed a supplementary status report before the high court, details of which remain unknown.