CBI Makes First Arrest in Vimal Negi Death Case; Suspended ASI Pankaj Sharma Taken Into Custody

Shimla, September 14
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken a significant step in the widely discussed case of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) Chief Engineer Vimal Negi’s mysterious death by making its first arrest. On Sunday afternoon, the CBI team arrested suspended Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Pankaj Sharma from Ghumarwin in Bilaspur district. He will now be presented before the court for remand.

The agency had recently conducted a raid at Sharma’s residence and recovered documents believed to be crucial evidence. It is alleged that Sharma removed a pen drive from Negi’s pocket and later travelled to Bilaspur, where he seized Negi’s laptop and deleted its data. Following multiple rounds of questioning, the CBI arrested him on charges of destroying and concealing evidence.

Though Sharma was not part of the official investigation team, he was reportedly the first person on the scene. He stands accused of tampering with and destroying evidence. The CBI had previously summoned him several times to explain his role in formatting the pen drive.

The scope of the investigation has expanded to include former officials and employees of the power corporation. Earlier, former Managing Director Harikesh Meena and Director Deshraj had already been arrested, though both are currently out on bail. Statements from Negi’s wife Kiran Negi and his brother Surendra Negi have also been recorded by the agency.

Vimal Negi went missing from Shimla on March 10, and his body was discovered eight days later, on March 18, near the Govind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur. His death raised serious questions, with family members accusing senior officials of harassment. Kiran Negi had demanded a CBI inquiry into the matter, and following a petition, the High Court ordered the investigation to be handed over to the central agency.

The case has been registered under Sections 108 and 3(5) of the Indian Penal Code (2023), with Section 108 relating to abetment of suicide. The CBI has conducted multiple rounds of questioning with several individuals linked to the case.

During the investigation, the state government reinstated suspended Director Deshraj, assigning him his former post as Chief Engineer at the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board.

The case triggered significant upheaval within the administration and police system. Citing indiscipline and negligence, the state government directed three senior officials to proceed on leave. These included Additional Chief Secretary Omkar Sharma, former Director General of Police Dr. Atul Verma, and Shimla’s Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi.

Changes were also swiftly implemented within the police department. Vigilance Director General Ashok Tiwari was given additional charge as Director General of Police, while Solan’s SP Gaurav Singh was appointed as Shimla’s new SP. However, after their leave period, Omkar Sharma and Sanjeev Gandhi rejoined their respective duties.