Sunil Chadha
Shimla: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is grappling with a critical question in the mysterious death of Vimal Negi — why did the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation’s Chief Engineer travel all the way to Bilaspur from Shimla if he had made up his mind to take his own life?
This puzzling element has become a focal point in the agency’s expanding probe into the case, prompting marathon questioning sessions with Vimal Negi’s close family members.
Vimal Negi, who belonged to Kinnaur, had gone missing under mysterious circumstances from Shimla on March 10, 2025. His body was recovered from the Gobind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur on March 18.
Extended interrogation of close relatives
On Wednesday (June 4, 2025), the CBI questioned Vimal Negi’s elder brother Surender Negi and wife Kiran Negi separately at the Shimla zonal office.
Surender was summoned first at around 10.30 am and questioned until 2.30 pm. Immediately afterwards, Kiran was called in and remained with investigators until 7.30 pm. According to sources, this marks her second appearance before the agency — her earlier testimony on Monday required further clarification, leading to her recall.
Investigators are believed to have focused on the mental state of Vimal Negi in his final days. His family reportedly informed the CBI that he had been facing severe workplace harassment, which left him under tremendous psychological stress. They also provided the names of several officials who may have played a role in the alleged pressure he was under.
Unanswered questions: Planned journey or something else?
CBI officials remain sceptical about the suicide theory, especially due to the route and destination of Vimal Negi’s final journey. If he indeed intended to end his life, why did he travel such a long distance from Shimla to Bilaspur? Moreover, reports suggest that he may have stopped in Bharari and possibly met individuals along the way — another detail that seems inconsistent with a suicide plan.
These unresolved questions have forced investigators to reconsider the possibility that more than just mental distress may be involved. The agency is reportedly examining the possibility of foul play and is meticulously reconstructing Vimal Negi’s movements in the final hours.
Digital footprints, surveillance records under scrutiny
The CBI is also analysing digital evidence, including Vimal Negi’s email communications, phone call records and CCTV footage from relevant locations. Teams have already taken over records from the Shimla police SIT and divided the investigation among two units. One is led by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and the other by Superintendent Rajpal.
Additionally, data from forensic samples sent to the Junga lab has been requisitioned and key documentation has been collected from the Power Corporation. Officials mentioned in connection with the case could soon be summoned for questioning.
