Family of deceased HP Power Corporation Chief Engineer moves High Court seeking CBI probe

Shimla, Apr 21,

The family of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer of the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation, has approached the Himachal Pradesh High Court seeking a CBI inquiry into his mysterious death. Alleging serious lapses in the ongoing police investigation, the family filed a petition in the court today, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the manner in which the case has been handled so far.

Vimal Negi had gone missing on March 10, and his body was recovered from Bhakra Dam near Talai on March 19. However, according to his wife, Kiran Negi, the family was not informed when the body was discovered and was only called to AIIMS the following day. She also disclosed that Negi’s ATM card, Aadhaar card, and mobile phone are still untraceable.

In their petition, the family alleged that instead of identifying and acting against the suspects, the Shimla Police diverted attention towards probing Negi’s bank accounts. The petition highlights that an FIR had already been filed against then Managing Director Harikesh Meena, Director Administration Shivam Pratap Singh, and Director Electrical Deshraj. Despite the High Court rejecting Deshraj’s bail plea, the police did not arrest him, and he later managed to secure interim bail from the Supreme Court.

The family has expressed outrage over the lack of arrests, pointing out that Deshraj was spotted roaming freely while the police took no action. Moreover, no concrete steps have been taken against the other accused named in the FIR. Although the police submitted a status report in the High Court indicating the presence of corruption within the Power Corporation, it remains unclear whether any FIR has been registered under relevant corruption charges.

Maintaining that there appears to be an effort to shield those involved, the family is demanding a CBI investigation to ensure an impartial and thorough probe. If the High Court grants their plea, it could place the Sukhu-led state government under further scrutiny for its handling of the case.

Team Himachal Scape