Mysterious Death of HPPCL Chief Engineer Reaches High Court; CBI Probe Demanded

Shimla, April 21 – The suspicious death of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi from Himachal Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) has now reached the Himachal Pradesh High Court. His wife, Kiran Negi, has filed a petition demanding an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), expressing dissatisfaction with the current inquiry conducted by the state police and Special Investigation Team (SIT).

In her petition, Kiran Negi has questioned the credibility of the ongoing investigation and raised concerns about the premature conclusion drawn by the police, who termed her husband’s death as a suicide even before the probe was complete. She has urged the court to transfer the case to the CBI to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.

Missing Since March 10, Body Found on March 18

Vimal Negi was reported missing under mysterious circumstances on March 10. Eight days later, on March 18, his body was recovered from the Gobind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur district. Following the incident, Kiran Negi wrote to the Chief Minister, accusing HPPCL Managing Director Harikesh Meena, Director Deshraj, and other officials of subjecting her husband to severe mental harassment.

FIR Registered, SIT Formed

Based on her complaint, an FIR was filed at the New Shimla Police Station, naming MD Harikesh Meena and then Director Deshraj. Subsequently, a seven-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Shimla SP Sanjeev Gandhi was constituted to investigate the matter.

Forensic Examination of Evidence Underway

The SIT has seized Director Deshraj’s mobile phone, Vimal Negi’s laptop, and CCTV footage from locations linked to the case. All digital evidence has been sent for forensic analysis, and investigators are awaiting the reports, which they believe could help connect critical dots in the case.

Driver’s Testimony Key to Case

According to Negi’s driver, the engineer was last seen near the Lift on Cart Road in Shimla, where he handed over his laptop, keys, and a diary before walking away. These items have been taken into police custody, and the driver’s statement is being corroborated.

Further Interrogation Scheduled

Sources confirm that the SIT will again question MD Harikesh Meena, Director Deshraj, Project Manager Vipin Guleria, and Manish Chaudhary on Tuesday. While all of them have previously been interrogated, this round will focus on cross-verifying their statements.