How Can We Ensure Evidence Is Protected in the Chief Engineer’s Death Case?

Shimla, May 28 (NationPress) The Himachal Pradesh Opposition BJP has called on Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla to guarantee that no evidence is compromised in the case concerning the death of Vimal Negi, the Chief Engineer of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd. They also demanded a thorough investigation into the allegations made by the Shimla Superintendent of Police against senior officials, aiming to uncover the facts.

Led by the Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, the BJP legislative party presented a memorandum to the Governor, insisting on the preservation of all evidence and the proper transfer of records to the CBI, which the High Court has tasked with investigating the case.

According to the BJP, the accusations from the Superintendent of Police against his superiors, which included both IAS and IPS officers, showcased a lack of discipline within the services. They have called for the Superintendent's suspension due to what they described as “irresponsible behaviour.”

The CBI probe should also address claims of financial misconduct and corruption within Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd, which is currently engaged in developing both solar and hydel energy projects, as outlined in their memorandum.

The delegation pointed out the issue of critical evidence being concealed, such as a pen drive discovered with Negi’s remains, and demanded accountability for all officials who attempted to obscure the truth.

“These same officials failed to arrest individuals against whom Negi’s family had made serious allegations of mental harassment, allowing them time to secure bail from various courts,” they noted.

“Additionally, the actions taken against honest officers, who revealed key evidence, were both unfortunate and disheartening,” the memorandum read.

In a significant move amidst bureaucratic conflicts, the Congress administration placed several high-ranking officials, including Director General of Police (DGP) Atul Verma and Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Onkar Sharma, as well as Shimla Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi, on leave due to “indiscipline.”

This decision follows the CBI filing of a first information report (FIR) as directed by the High Court regarding the Chief Engineer’s death, with the family alleging harassment and incitement to suicide by senior officials.

Negi’s body was found in the Bhakra Dam in Bilaspur district after he went missing on March 10.

DGP Verma, who is set to retire on May 31, has been succeeded by Ashok Tiwari, a 1993-batch IPS officer currently assigned as DGP of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau.

Verma and Additional Chief Secretary Sharma have faced accusations of submitting status reports to the High Court regarding the Chief Engineer’s death without proper review by the Advocate General, while Superintendent of Police Gandhi has alleged ties between DGP’s personnel and a drug syndicate.

However, DGP Verma had already recommended Gandhi’s suspension.

Gandhi led the Special Investigating Team (SIT) tasked with probing the Chief Engineer’s death. Additional Chief Secretary Sharma has been stripped of all responsibilities, including Home and Revenue, with his counterpart Kamlesh Pant taking over those departments.

Just before placing the involved top officials on leave, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu accused the BJP of politicizing the matter, asserting that the government would not contest the High Court’s ruling.

CM Sukhu informed the press that Negi’s family had not approached him for a CBI inquiry.

“The state government will fully cooperate with the CBI and provide all necessary assistance to ensure that justice is served for the bereaved family,” he emphasized.

The High Court directed on May 23 that the investigation be transferred from the state police to the CBI. Justice Ajay Mohan Goel mandated that the CBI proceed with the investigation through its Special Investigation Team (SIT) without any state-cadre officer present to ensure impartiality.

The victim’s wife, Kiran Negi, had petitioned the high court for a CBI inquiry. The government had previously formed a Special Investigating Team (SIT) after filing a case of abetment to suicide against senior HPPCL officials, including Managing Director Harikesh Meena, Director (Personnel) Shivam Pratap, and Director (Electrical) Desh Raj.