TNR News Network
SHIMLA: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is expected to submit a detailed status report to the Himachal Pradesh High Court in the next hearing, explaining the reasons behind the slow progress in the high-profile Chief Engineer Vimal Negi death case.
The agency is also expected to cite its inability to question key accused officials currently out on bail as a major hurdle in the investigation.
Legal hurdles slowing custodial interrogation
Sources said the CBI is actively consulting legal experts to explore options for opposing the bail granted to officials of the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation, who are accused in the case.
The CBI has argued in the high court previously against their bail, maintaining that custodial interrogation is crucial to uncover hidden facts surrounding the mysterious death of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi. The agency fears that the suspects, while on bail, could potentially influence key witnesses and tamper with evidence.
ASI under scanner over digital evidence
The CBI is currently focusing its investigation on ASI Pankaj, who is suspected of tampering with crucial digital evidence. Pankaj is alleged to have erased a pen drive recovered from Vimal Negi’s body. Daily questioning sessions are being held with him to piece together the missing links in the case.
A prior report by a former DGP had flagged serious concerns about Pankaj’s role and even referenced a separate ongoing case against him. Recent forensic reports have confirmed that the pen drive was indeed formatted, intensifying suspicion of deliberate evidence destruction.
CBI eyes expansion of probe based on fresh leads
Officials said the agency intended to expand its investigation based on leads that could emerge from custodial interrogation. However, with key suspects on bail, the agency’s hands are tied.
The CBI is working to prepare a strong legal case to oppose the bail in the upcoming hearing. A mobile video clip, now under analysis, reportedly shows ASI Pankaj discussing the pen drive and investigators trying to identify who he was speaking to in the clip.
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