One Year On, CBI Probe Into HPPCL Engineer's Death Yields No Answers
Even a full year after the mysterious death of Vimal Negi, the former Chief Engineer of the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), the case that once sent shockwaves across the state remains shrouded in uncertainty. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues its probe, but no conclusive findings have emerged to clarify the circumstances surrounding his demise.
Discovery of the Body and Initial Outrage
Negi's body was recovered from Gobind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur district on March 18, 2025, a full eight days after he went missing from Shimla. This tragic discovery sparked widespread outrage among his family members and colleagues at HPPCL. In a powerful display of grief and demand for justice, employees staged protests outside the corporation's office and refused to cremate the body until assurances of a thorough investigation were provided.
Allegations of Harassment and Corruption
The case took a serious and complex turn when Negi's family came forward with allegations of mental harassment by senior officials within HPPCL. These claims were accompanied by accusations of corruption and financial irregularities within the corporation. In response, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under charges of abetment of suicide. The officials named in the case were subsequently removed from their positions, adding to the gravity of the situation.
Transition to CBI Investigation
Dissatisfied with the progress made by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the state police, Negi's family demanded a more rigorous inquiry. They alleged significant lapses in the initial investigation, leading to the case being handed over to the CBI in May 2025. The CBI promptly registered an FIR and deployed a three-member team, led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)-rank officer from Delhi, to take over the investigation in Shimla.
Controversies and Arrests
As the investigation unfolded, it became mired in controversy. A public clash erupted between the then Director General of Police (DGP), Dr. Atul Verma, and Shimla's then Senior Superintendent of Police (SP), Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi. In a status report, the DGP accused the SP of influencing the investigation, while the SP retaliated by terming the report irresponsible and alleging links between the DGP's staff and drug peddlers. This escalation further complicated the probe.
During its investigation, the CBI made a significant arrest, taking into custody a Shimla Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) for allegedly concealing and tampering with a pen drive recovered from Negi's body. The ASI was later granted bail in October 2025, but this development highlighted the challenges in uncovering the truth.
Latest Developments and Ongoing Uncertainty
Despite the passage of time, the investigation has yet to establish the exact circumstances leading to Negi's death. In the latest development, the CBI has summoned the then Shimla SP for questioning as the probe continues. This move underscores the persistent efforts to unravel the mystery, but as of now, the case remains unresolved, leaving many questions unanswered and the family's quest for justice ongoing.
