SHIMLA: As the Himachal Pradesh High Court deliberates on whether to hand over the investigation of Vimal Negi’s death to the CBI, Shimla SP Sanjeev Gandhi has opposed the move.
Appearing personally before the high court, the senior officer argued that transferring the case to the central agency could demoralise the state police and derail an already detailed probe being led by a special investigation team (SIT).
SP says police working diligently, transfer unnecessary
Shimla SP Sanjeev Gandhi told the high court that the SIT was conducting a fair and meticulous investigation, looking into all possible aspects of the case.
He explained that the delay in police involvement was due to jurisdictional issues as HP Power Corporation Ltd (HPPCL) Chief Engineer Negi’s death occurred in Bilaspur, which was outside Shimla’s purview, and that the post-mortem was conducted there. Only after an FIR was filed in New Shimla was the SIT formed.
Sanjeev Gandhi emphasised that the SIT had recently recovered a pen drive from a member of the initial investigative team and had sent it for forensic examination.
The police officer appealed to the court to trust the integrity of the police and cautioned that handing the matter to the CBI could undermine the morale of officers committed to pursuing the truth.
HC reserves order on transferring probe to CBI
Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, hearing the matter, observed that internal friction between the Director General of Police (DGP) and Shimla’s SP might be contributing to delays in justice.
“Justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done,” the judge remarked, noting that visible transparency is essential in such a sensitive case.
After reviewing investigative reports from the DGP, SP Shimla and Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Omkar Sharma, the high court reserved its decision on whether to hand the investigation over to the CBI. A ruling is expected within a day or two.
Three Reports, Conflicting Claims; Family Demands CBI Probe
Advocate General Anup Rattan urged the high court not to consider the report submitted by the ACS (Home) as final, clarifying it was limited to allegations of harassment by senior officers of HP Power Corporation Ltd. He reiterated the state’s commitment to a thorough investigation and asked the high court to grant time for the SIT to complete its work.
Meanwhile, Vimal Negi’s family is firm in its demand for a CBI probe. They alleged that from the outset, the investigation has lacked impartiality.
Citing the police’s failure to trace Desraj, despite an FIR against him, senior counsel RK Bawa argued that the government’s laxity allowed the accused to secure bail from the Supreme Court. The family contended that only a CBI-led investigation could ensure accountability and justice.
S Gopal Puri
