Why Did the High Court Hand Over the Himachal Chief Engineer's Death Case to the CBI?
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Synopsis
In a crucial development, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has shifted the investigation of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi's death to the CBI, raising serious questions regarding the state police's actions. This decision follows persistent demands from the victim's family for a more thorough inquiry.
Key Takeaways
- High Court transferred case to CBI for impartial investigation.
- Vimal Negi was the Chief Engineer of HPPCL.
- State police faced criticism for its handling of the case.
- Family of the victim demanded a CBI inquiry from the start.
- Concerns were raised about the SIT's fairness and thoroughness.
Shimla, May 23 (NationPress) In a significant blow to the Congress-led government in Himachal Pradesh, the High Court has delegated the inquiry into the demise of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer-cum-General Manager of Himachal Pradesh Power Corp Ltd (HPPCL), to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) instead of allowing the state police to continue.
Justice Ajay Mohan Goel issued the directive, instructing the CBI to assume control of the investigation from the police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT), which was headed by Shimla Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi. He emphasized that no state-cadre officer should be involved in the CBI's investigation to ensure impartiality.
Negi was reported missing on March 10, and his body was discovered in the Bhakra Dam in Bilaspur eight days later.
Despite the family's persistent calls for a CBI inquiry, the state government had initially rejected their request.
Following this, the victim’s wife, Kiran Negi, approached the high court seeking a CBI investigation. In response, the government formed a Special Investigating Team (SIT) after filing a case of abetment to suicide against several senior HPPCL officials, including Managing Director Harikesh Meena, Director (Personnel) Shivam Pratap, and Director (Electrical) Desh Raj.
The petitioner’s lawyer, R.K. Bawa, remarked: "Kiran Negi was dissatisfied with the SIT’s investigation from the outset. The court’s decision to exclude any Himachal-cadre officer from the CBI investigation is a step towards justice. The state government ignored the report from Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Onkar Chand (Sharma), which criticized the conduct of the accused officers, and chose not to disclose it."
"The SIT was biased and only considered the medical history of the victim,” he stated during a media briefing.
In response, Advocate General Anoop Rattan asserted that the government is open to any agency conducting an inquiry. "The police's investigation was conducted fairly and transparently. Our objective is justice, and we will not contest the court's order," he affirmed.
On April 8, Additional Chief Secretary Sharma had submitted a 66-page inquiry report to the government but resisted revising it to accommodate input from the accused officers. The conflicting statements from the Director General of Police Atul Verma and the Shimla Superintendent of Police raised doubts about the integrity of the SIT's investigation.
Point of View
I believe this case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability within law enforcement. The High Court's decision to involve the CBI reflects a broader concern for justice, ensuring that investigations are free from local biases. It’s crucial for public trust that such sensitive cases are handled with utmost integrity.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the High Court to transfer the case to the CBI?
The transfer was primarily due to concerns regarding the impartiality of the state police's investigation and persistent demands from the victim's family for a more thorough inquiry.
Who was Vimal Negi?
Vimal Negi was the Chief Engineer-cum-General Manager of Himachal Pradesh Power Corp Ltd (HPPCL), who went missing and was later found dead.
What was the role of the Special Investigating Team (SIT)?
The SIT was established by the state government to investigate the circumstances surrounding Negi's death, including allegations of abetment to suicide against senior HPPCL officials.
What were the main concerns regarding the SIT's investigation?
Concerns included perceived bias, lack of thoroughness in exploring all aspects of the case, and the exclusion of certain key evidence.
What does this case signify for justice in Himachal Pradesh?
This case highlights the ongoing need for fair and unbiased investigations in sensitive matters, reinforcing public trust in the judicial system.
