Vimal Negi Death Case: Himachal High Court Hands Over Probe to CBI, Questions SIT’s Conduct

Shimla, May 23:
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the mysterious death of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer of Himachal Power Corporation, raising serious concerns about the functioning of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Shimla police. The decision was delivered by a single bench of Justice Ajay Mohan Goel.

The court further directed that no officer from the Himachal Pradesh cadre be part of the CBI team, to ensure the investigation remains impartial and above suspicion. The ruling came in response to a petition filed by Negi’s wife, Kiran Negi, who expressed dissatisfaction with the police investigation and demanded an independent inquiry.

Missing on March 10, Body Found on March 18
Vimal Negi had gone missing on March 10. Eight days later, his body was discovered in the Gobind Sagar Lake. His family strongly disputed the theory of suicide and insisted it was a case of murder. Their protests in Shimla lasted through the night and drew the attention of three state ministers, who assured an impartial investigation.

Top Officials Removed
In the wake of the controversy, the state government suspended then Power Corporation Director Deshraj and removed Managing Director Harikesh Meena from his post. FIRs were registered against both. Deshraj was later granted bail by the Supreme Court, while Meena secured anticipatory bail from the High Court.

Doubts Over SIT Report
The SIT submitted its report to the state government, but Negi’s family rejected it, alleging it was an attempt to shield senior officials. Their dissatisfaction led them to seek relief from the High Court.

DGP Raises Red Flags, Court Takes Note
During the final hearing last Wednesday, Director General of Police Atul Verma submitted an affidavit questioning the direction of the SIT probe. He alleged that the SIT was deliberately treating the case as a suicide, despite several critical aspects still unresolved. The court expressed concern over the apparent lack of coordination and friction between the DGP and Shimla SP, remarking that “justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.”

SP’s Defense and Plea Against CBI Involvement
Shimla SP Sanjeev Gandhi appeared personally before the court during the previous hearing, defending the SIT’s investigation as honest and thorough. He informed the court that a key pen drive related to the case had been sent for forensic analysis, and requested that the case not be transferred to the CBI in order to preserve morale within the state police.

Focus Now on the CBI – Will the Truth Finally Emerge?
With the High Court’s decision, the investigation is now officially in the hands of the CBI. There is renewed hope that a transparent and rigorous probe will uncover the truth behind this high-profile and sensitive case.