CBI made party in Harikesh Meena bail matter; HP High Court to hear on June 16

Shimla, June 5,
In a development in the Vimal Negi death case, the Himachal Pradesh High Court on Thursday allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to be arrayed as a party in the bail application of IAS officer Harikesh Meena. The court has now listed the matter for further hearing on June 16, 2025.

Meena, who is an accused in the abetment to suicide case of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, was earlier granted interim protection from coercive action by the High Court. The protection remains in force until the next hearing.

Vimal Negi, a senior officer of HPPCL, had gone missing from the corporation’s headquarters in New Shimla on March 10. His body was later recovered from the Bhakra Dam (Gobind Sagar Lake) in Bilaspur district on March 18, under suspicious circumstances. His family has accused top officials of the corporation, including Meena and Director (Electrical) Desh Raj, of workplace harassment that allegedly led to Negi’s suicide.

The High Court had earlier transferred the investigation to the CBI, which is now actively probing the case. With the agency formally brought on record in the bail matter, it is expected to contest the relief granted to Meena.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has already granted interim protection to Desh Raj in the same case, with the next hearing scheduled for July 22. The CBI is reportedly considering challenging both interim protections to ensure a fair investigation.

The upcoming High Court hearing on June 16 is expected to be crucial, as the CBI may present its stand on whether bail should be granted to Meena or not.

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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Himachalscape bureau

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.