In a significant development, the Himachal Pradesh High Court on Friday ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the suspicious death of Vimal Negi, a senior engineer with Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited.
The decision follows a petition by his wife and mounting concerns about the credibility of the ongoing police investigation.
Negi had gone missing on March 10, and his body was recovered on March 18 under mysterious circumstances.
The post-mortem revealed that he had likely died five days prior to being found. Yet, the state’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) failed to account for his movements between March 10 and 14, raising serious doubts about the probe’s thoroughness and impartiality.
High Court Highlights Investigation Irregularities
The bench observed glaring lapses in the SIT’s investigation. It criticized the lack of inquiry into the missing timeline and noted discrepancies in the treatment of suspects and witnesses. The court also referenced an April 8 report by Additional Chief Secretary Omkar Sharma, which echoed the family’s concerns but was never shared publicly or with the family.
“The investigation appeared biased and incomplete,” the court noted, prompting it to transfer the case to the CBI.
Family & Legal Representatives Welcome The Move
Advocate R.K. Bawa, representing the Negi family, expressed relief at the verdict:
“From day one, we said we were not satisfied with the investigation. Even the DGP expressed dissatisfaction in court. Crucial material was withheld. The court’s decision brings hope for a fair inquiry.”
Rajender Negi, Vimal’s uncle and a retired Army captain, alleged foul play and cover-up by HPPCL officials:
“This was not suicide, it was a planned murder. The accused were never questioned. Our family, on the other hand, was harassed. We trust the CBI to do what the police didn’t.”
Surinder Negi, Vimal’s brother, also called the police probe a sham:
“We were scrutinized instead of the accused. The DGP and SP made contradictory public statements. Officials named in the FIR were never interrogated.”
Officials Named, Yet Unquestioned
Following public pressure and protests by HPPCL employees, an FIR was lodged naming then Director Deshraj, the Managing Director, and the Director of Personnel. In response, the state government formed a committee under Additional Chief Secretary Omkar Sharma to investigate and report within 15 days. However, no meaningful progress followed.
Adding to the concern, when the accused sought bail from the Supreme Court, the state reportedly failed to represent itself, a fact noted critically by the High Court.
What Lies Ahead
With the CBI now at the helm, the Negi family and the public hope for a transparent, thorough, and impartial probe. The case has not only highlighted the failings of the initial investigation but also raised serious questions about accountability within the state’s administrative and policing machinery.
As the CBI begins its inquiry, all eyes will be on whether justice will finally be served in the mysterious death of Vimal Negi.
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