TNR News Network
Shimla: The arrest of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Pankaj in the mysterious d*eath case of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation’s Chief Engineer Vimal Negi has sent ripples through both the Power Corporation and Himachal Pradesh Police department.
Following the development, several senior officials are now under the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) radar, with sources indicating that more high-profile names could surface in the coming days.
The CBI has reportedly accessed crucial call records and documents that question the roles of various officers in the case, fuelling suspicions of a larger conspiracy. The probe, which was handed over to the CBI by the Himachal Pradesh High Court, is now intensifying as investigators look into allegations of m*urder, conspiracy and corruption raised by the victim’s family.
Web of suspicion widens beyond ASI
The arrest of ASI Pankaj, allegedly linked to tampering with key evidence, has opened a Pandora’s box. CBI sources suggest that several senior officials within the Power Corporation and state police may have either suppressed critical leads or facilitated procedural lapses. Investigators believe that attempts were made to distort the sequence of events and mislead the initial special investigation team (SIT) of the Shimla police.
The CBI is also scrutinising whether pressure was exerted on the initial probe team and whether any deliberate inaction occurred during the critical early phase of the investigation. With officials from both departments facing scrutiny, internal turmoil has gripped the corridors of power.
High Court had questioned SIT integrity, ordered CBI probe
The Himachal Pradesh High Court, in a scathing observation, transferred the case to the CBI citing lack of progress by the Shimla police SIT, even after two months. Justice Ajay Mohan Goel noted that despite early complaints from Vimal Negi’s family regarding his disappearance, no significant steps were taken. The high court had also pointed to serious procedural flaws, including bypassing the Advocate General’s office.
Significantly, the high court directed that no officer from the Himachal cadre would be part of the CBI investigation team to ensure impartiality. This decision came after multiple, and sometimes conflicting, reports were submitted by top officials, including Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Onkar Chand Sharma, then DGP Atul Verma and Shimla SP Sanjeev Gandhi.
Top officials were sent on leave amid controversy
In the wake of the controversy, several senior officers were sent on leave. Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Chand Sharma was relieved of his duties after submitting an affidavit to the court without official clearance — a move seen as a breach of administrative protocol. Similarly, DGP Atul Verma and senior Power Corporation officials like Deshraj and Harikesh Meena have been removed from active roles.
Initial CBI findings suggest that attempts were made to tamper with evidence and obstruct the truth. Sources indicate that this may go beyond negligence, hinting at a concerted effort to cover up the circumstances of Negi’s death. Whether it was suicide or homicide is now at the heart of the CBI’s expanding investigation.
