CBI probe demanded over suspicious death of HPPCL Chief Engineer Negi

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The North News

Shimla, May 16

A tribal rights forum has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the mysterious death of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), alleging foul play and a cover-up by state authorities. President of the newly formed Vimal Negi Janjati Nyay Manch, Bhagat Singh Kinnar, accused the Himachal Pradesh government of obstructing a central probe and protecting those involved in what he described as a “planned murder” linked to corruption in the state’s power sector.

At a press conference in Shimla, the Manch alleged that key evidence was tampered with or destroyed following the incident. “Despite the seriousness of this case, no arrests have been made. If there is nothing to hide, why is the state government not allowing a CBI investigation?” Bhagat Singh said.

The group further alleged that the government has not made public the report prepared by the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) and raised concerns about the role of local police in handling the case.

Vimal Negi went missing on 10 March, and his body was recovered from a water body in Bilaspur eight days later, on 18 March. Vimal Negi, known for his integrity, was found dead under circumstances that the family and the Manch believe point to a conspiracy rather than suicide.

His maternal uncle, retired Captain Rajendra Singh Negi, also rejected the suicide theory. “This is a sponsored murder. If the government has nothing to hide, why is it avoiding a CBI probe?” he said. He added that the family was kept in the dark about recovered items and the status of the investigation.

He said the family has now pinned its hopes on the Himachal Pradesh High Court for justice, expressing little confidence in the state’s handling of the case.