Photo source: Internet
Shimla, Sept 15,
Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Pankaj Kumar of Himachal Pradesh Police, arrested by the CBI on Sunday in the mysterious death case of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, was sent to one-day police remand on Monday. While the agency had sought five days’ custody, the court granted only one. He will be produced again on Tuesday.
Also read: https://himachalscape.com/first-arrest-in-vimal-negi-mystery-death-asi-pankaj-held/
Pankaj was picked up from his native village in Bilaspur and is facing charges under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita under Sections 315, 238 read with 108, 61(2), and 3(5). Investigators allege he had concealed a pen drive at the time Negi’s body was recovered from the Beas near Shahtalai on March 18. Though later retrieved by the SIT of Shimla Police, many files were found corrupted during his possession.
The CBI suspects the missing data could shed light on pressures Negi faced in his official role. The agency has already questioned Shimla SP and ASP regarding the handling of the case and chain of custody of electronic evidence.
Pankaj’s counsel senior advocate Piyush Verma pointed out that the CBI had earlier told the High Court (September 5) it did not require him for investigation, questioning the sudden arrest. The defence strongly opposed the plea, producing a copy of a CBI affidavit filed before the Himachal Pradesh High Court, in which the agency had earlier stated it did not require Kumar’s custody.
The matter is now listed for hearing again on Tuesday afternoon. Also read: https://himachalscape.com/cbi-tells-hc-asi-pankaj-not-needed-court-orders-state-cannot-force-him-to-stay-at-police-lines
Meanwhile, co-accused Director Sports Harikesh Meena and Electricity Board Chief Engineer Deshraj remain out on bail, which the CBI has so far failed to get cancelled.
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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.
