The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Wednesday reserved its order on a petition seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, as serious questions were raised regarding the impartiality of the ongoing investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
During the hearing, Director General of Police (DGP) Atul Verma submitted an affidavit highlighting irregularities in the probe and alleging bias on the part of the SIT, headed by Superintendent of Police, Shimla. The DGP stated that a pen drive recovered from Negi’s body on March 18 was initially hidden and even formatted by an Assistant Sub-Inspector—an act described as serious misconduct.
Circumstances Surrounding Negi’s Death
Vimal Negi went missing on March 10, and his body was discovered in Bilaspur on March 18. The very next day, his relatives held a protest outside the HPPCL office in Shimla, refusing to perform the last rites and demanding a CBI inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death. Allegations of harassment by senior officials of the corporation were made by Negi’s wife, Kiran Negi, who claimed he was forced to work late hours even during illness.
Based on her complaint, an FIR for abetment to suicide and joint criminal liability under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered against HPPCL’s Director (Electrical) and the Managing Director.
DGP’s Affidavit Raises Doubts on Investigation
The DGP, in his affidavit, strongly questioned the credibility of the SIT’s probe and said that the influence of SP Shimla, who has held the post for over two years, appears to extend beyond his official jurisdiction. “It can be safely concluded that till now the investigation has been questionable,” the DGP stated.
SIT’s Defence and Ongoing Probe
On the other hand, Advocate General Anup Kumar Rattan defended the SIT, claiming the investigation was progressing properly and without bias. He noted that the pen drive, now recovered and sent for forensic analysis, has yielded over 14,000 documents reportedly taken from Negi’s official laptop.
Rattan also referred to the report of Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Sharma, who looked into whether Negi was subjected to undue departmental pressure. The Advocate General further questioned the timing and approach of the DGP, remarking that the proper channels, including the AG office, were bypassed.
Arguments Concluded, Order Reserved
RK Bawa, counsel for the Negi family, reiterated the demand for a CBI investigation, citing the DGP’s own serious reservations about the SIT’s impartiality. “The court has heard all parties and examined the records, including the status report and the affidavit of the DGP,” he said.
SP Shimla Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi also addressed the media, noting that the investigation had revealed excessive mental and physical stress in Negi’s final posting compared to his previous assignments, and that Negi had been suffering from depression and general anxiety since 2020.
The court, after hearing all parties, reserved its order and is expected to deliver a ruling on whether the case should be handed over to the CBI for further investigation.
