MANDI: In a significant development in the ongoing Vimal Negi death case, former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has directly accused senior police officials of obstructing justice and tampering with evidence.
Addressing the media in the Janjheli area of his Seraj constituency in Mandi, Jai Ram called for the immediate resignation of Shimla Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi and demanded a CBI investigation into the suspicious death of the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) Chief Engineer.
Says govt destroying evidence, shielding guilty
The BJP leader alleged that from day one, the state government has attempted to cover up the circumstances surrounding Vimal Negi’s death. He pointed to “multiple instances of evidence manipulation and institutional silence”.
“The pen drive found with Vimal Negi’s body was never entered into official case records. Instead, it was formatted before being sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory. This is criminal tampering. Who ordered this and what are they trying to hide?” he asked.
He also flagged the suspicious role of an Assistant Sub-Inspector from Arki, claiming that the official may have contributed to compromising the integrity of the investigation.
Cites DGP report on SP Shimla’s ‘non-cooperation’
Jai Ram alleged that the Director General of Police’s internal report mentioned that “Shimla SP Sanjeev Gandhi was summoned twice but refused to appear before senior authorities during the investigation”.
“The report also accuses Gandhi of unnecessary interference and attempting to influence the probe.
When the state’s top police officer admits that his own district head is obstructing the inquiry, how can that officer remain in charge of such a sensitive case? I demand the immediate resignation or removal of SP Sanjeev Gandhi,” alleged Jai Ram.
Details of ACS (Home) probe report not out yet
Adding to the controversy is the 66-page confidential report submitted by the Additional Chief Secretary (Home).
According to sources, the report allegedly details mental harassment faced by Vimal Negi at the hands of senior HPPCL officials. Despite repeated requests by the family and opposition, the government has refused to make the report public, even denying it under the RTI Act, alleged Jai Ram.
“The government is not only hiding the truth but protecting those responsible. Why has the ACS report not been shared with the victim’s family?” the former CM alleged.
High Court steps in, bars police from filing chargesheet
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has taken cognisance of the irregularities. In an order, it barred the police from filing a chargesheet in the case without prior judicial approval and directed that internal reports by the DGP and the SP be shared with the family and the Advocate General.
The court is also considering whether the ACS Home report should be made available to the family in the next hearing.
“If the government truly believes in justice, why is it running from a CBI inquiry?” Jai Ram asked. “This is no longer just about Vimal Negi. It’s about the credibility of our governance and law enforcement institutions. Himachal has never seen such a brazen attempt to suppress truth,” he alleged.
Vimal Negi, a senior engineer with the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited, was found dead under suspicious circumstances earlier this year. His death has since triggered political outrage, legal scrutiny and deep public concern, particularly after allegations of harassment and evidence manipulation came to light.
Munish Sood
