Supreme Court Delivers Stinging Rebuke to CBI in High-Profile Suicide Case
The Supreme Court of India delivered a sharp critique of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday, November 18, 2025, questioning the competence of its officers probing the death of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) officer Vimal Negi. A bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Prashant Kumar Mishra did not mince words, describing some investigators as "absolutely bogus officers" who were "not fit to be in service."
Court Questions CBI's Interpretation of 'Non-Cooperation'
The court's strong oral observations came during the hearing of a plea filed by Desh Raj, a former director with the power corporation. He had challenged the Himachal Pradesh High Court's denial of anticipatory bail. The bench specifically took issue with the CBI's claim that the petitioner-accused did not cooperate with the investigation.
Justice Amanullah pointed out that the accused was merely denying the allegations against him, which should not be construed as non-cooperation. "If I put a question to the accused that you did this, what answer do you expect? He would deny, right? But is this non-cooperation? If he is silent, the right to remain silent is a constitutional right," the Justice remarked.
The court was highly critical of the line of questioning used by the CBI investigator. "Who is the investigator putting questions? This is childish... A question like 'you transferred him because of this'…is this the question you are putting to the accused? And what answers do you expect from him?" Justice Amanullah questioned, expressing dismay that a senior officer would employ such tactics.
Background of the Vimal Negi Case
The case revolves around the tragic death of Vimal Negi, a chief engineer with the HPPCL. The allegations suggest that Desh Raj, who held the position of Director (Electrical), along with other senior officials, mentally harassed Negi. The harassment reportedly included forcing him to work late into the night and denying him leave even when he was unwell. This persistent pressure is alleged to have driven him to die by suicide.
Vimal Negi went missing on March 10 after leaving the HPPCL office in Shimla. His body was discovered a week later on March 18 in Bilaspur. In a dramatic protest, his family placed the body outside the HPPCL office, demanding the immediate suspension of top officials, including Desh Raj, HPPCL Managing Director Harikesh Meena, and Director (Finance) Shivam Pratap Singh. Following a complaint from Negi's wife, Kiran, an FIR for abetment to suicide was registered.
Supreme Court's Final Order and Bail Grant
During the proceedings, Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave, representing Desh Raj, informed the court that his client had appeared before a CBI team for a three-hour interrogation as per the top court's directive. However, he argued that the CBI did not question Desh Raj on the specific allegations of abetment to suicide.
Additional Solicitor General SD Sanjay, representing the CBI, submitted a report in a sealed cover. After reviewing its contents, the bench chose not to comment directly, noting that the investigation is still ongoing.
The Supreme Court ultimately granted relief to Desh Raj. The court ordered that its interim protection order be made absolute, granting him bail. The court directed that if Desh Raj is arrested or surrenders before the trial court within three weeks from November 18, he shall be released on bail, subject to conditions imposed by the concerned court.
Disposing of the Special Leave Petition, the bench added a crucial caveat: the petitioner must fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation. Any violation of this condition would be grounds for the cancellation of his bail. Advocate General Anup Rattan represented the state of Himachal Pradesh in the hearing, which he attended virtually.
