TNR News Network
Shimla: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the mysterious death of former Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, is expected to file a status report in the state high court soon.
Sources close to the investigation said that the agency may also initiate its first round of arrests soon as the probe gathers momentum.
The CBI has ramped up questioning and analysis of documents in recent days and is reportedly narrowing in on at least one senior official. This individual has been directed not to leave the state and is being summoned daily to the CBI office for questioning.
Court hearing on interim bail of former MD today
The latest court developments include a hearing on the interim bail granted to former Power Corporation MD Harikesh Meena, which is also scheduled for Monday (June 16, 2025). Meena had earlier secured interim relief until July 16. During a previous hearing on June 5, his legal counsel had informed the high court that a request had been filed to make the CBI a party to the case.
Following the transfer of the investigation from state authorities to the CBI, the government has opted not to participate in further legal arguments. The high court has since amended the memorandum of parties to reflect the CBI’s formal inclusion in the matter.
Contradictions in statements prompt new leads
Investigators have reportedly questioned over 30 individuals so far, including power corporation staff, SIT officials, fishermen and Negi’s family members. However, several inconsistencies have emerged in the statements recorded, prompting suspicion and further inquiry.
CBI officials are said to be giving serious consideration to previous administrative and police investigations, as well as an affidavit filed by a former Director General of Police. These documents are being used to corroborate findings and fill in gaps in the timeline surrounding Negi’s death.
On Saturday night, one of the three CBI teams working the case visited Hamirpur and their return to Shimla was still pending by Sunday evening, indicating that fieldwork is ongoing.
Top officials under scanner
The agency is now reportedly preparing to question high-ranking officials one by one. These individuals will be summoned to the CBI office in the coming days and their testimonies will be cross-verified with the existing evidence.
Sources said the arrest of a senior official may soon provide a turning point in the case. The CBI is meticulously building its case by linking testimonial discrepancies, digital records and prior investigations. An official announcement or legal action could come within days.
The death of Vimal Negi continues to generate public and political interest and with the CBI now firmly in control of the investigation, the next phase is expected to reveal crucial insights into what led to the former chief engineer’s untimely demise.
