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Shimla, Dec 3,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Wednesday reserved its order on the bail plea of accused Harikesh Meena in the Vimal Negi custodial death case, a matter that has drawn statewide attention.
During the hearing in Cr.MP(M) No. 781 of 2025, the Bench of Justice Virender Singh heard extensive arguments from all sides before reserving the decision. Quoting directly from the order, the court recorded, “Arguments heard. Order reserved.”
Appearing for the CBI, counsel Janesh Mahajan strongly opposed confirmation of bail. He submitted that the offence was “heinous in nature” and argued that custodial interrogation of Meena was essential, asserting that the agency had not been able to question him adequately till now.
Counsel for the complainant, R.K. Bawa, supported the CBI’s demand and contended that the applicant had evaded interrogation, claiming that Meena had “not been interrogated for even a single minute” despite the seriousness of the allegations.
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On the other hand, senior advocate N.S. Chandel, appearing for Meena, argued that the deceased, Vimal Negi, had been undergoing treatment for depression. He submitted that the earlier State SIT had recovered medicines, prescriptions, and OPD slips indicating Negi’s mental health condition. He argued that the evidence pointed toward suicide caused by psychological stress, rather than any harassment or pressure by the corporation’s officers, including Meena.
The Court also noted the presence of Advocate General Anup Rattan, who represented the State, which earlier opposed the CBI’s plea seeking removal of the State as a party in the matter.
Meena was present in court during the proceedings.
The CBI, which is investigating the case following earlier directions of the High Court, was represented by Advocate Mahajan, assisted by DySP B.P. Singh.
The court also confirmed that the case diary (Volume 1) has been retained, indicating that the material was examined during the hearing, “Case diary, consisting of Vol.1, retained.”
Context: Vimal Negi death case
The matter is tied to the controversial death of Vimal Negi, where police officials and senior officers were named during the investigation. The case has been under CBI scrutiny, and earlier, co-accused Desh Raj, the former HPPCL Director, secured relief from the Supreme Court.
With the High Court now reserving its order on Meena’s bail application, the next hearing will likely determine whether he receives similar protection or remains under custody as the investigation progresses.
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