Power circles abuzz: Did Arora face the “Curse” of ousted officers?
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ May 9,2026
Discussion across Punjab’s power circles intensified immediately after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a raid and later arrested Punjab Power Minister Sanjeev Arora from his official residence in Chandigarh.
“It seems the curse of former Powercom Director (Generation) Harjit Singh and former CMD Ajoy Sinha, IAS, has brought bad luck for those who wronged them,” was a common refrain heard throughout the day in power sector, common, bureaucratic circles.
Both officers were removed unceremoniously from the power department, a move that had triggered widespread criticism within the power department, bureaucratic circles at the time.
According to available information, former CMD and senior IAS officer Ajoy Sinha was removed from his post for allegedly failing to issue suspension orders against Chief Engineer Harish Kumar and Director (Generation) Harjit Singh on what many officials described as flimsy grounds. He was also removed from the post in November 2025 and reportedly remained without any posting until his retirement. Notably, he retired without having any department’s charge while sitting at home.
Similarly, Harjit Singh was removed from the post of Director (Generation), PSPCL, while Chief Engineer Harish Kumar was suspended on allegations of causing financial loss to the Powercom. Though the minister himself ordered the suspension of Harjit Singh as director, PSPCL.
However, Harish Kumar was later reinstated and subsequently promoted, whereas the removal orders against Harjit Singh were never revoked. Many officers and employees in the power sector continue to express astonishment over his removal, describing him as one of the most dedicated, honest, and competent officers in the corporation.
Several employees in the department privately maintain that the treatment meted out to senior officers like Ajoy Sinha and Harjit Singh had deeply demoralised the state bureaucracy and engineering fraternity within the power sector. They believe recent developments have once again revived debate over administrative fairness, political interference, and the manner in which upright officers are treated in government departments.
The developments have now become a major talking point in Punjab’s administrative and employees’ circles, with many saying that victimising or hurting someone honest ultimately does not bring good results.
Moreover he remained at loggerheads withe engineers, employees and others since he got the department.
