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Arrest in Vimal Negi Case

Sunil Chadha

Shimla: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made its first arrest in the controversial death of Vimal Negi, the General Manager of HPPCL. His mysterious disappearance and subsequent recovery from Gobind Sagar Lake have sparked significant outrage throughout Himachal Pradesh. ASI Pankaj has been detained in connection with the case.

The news of the arrest surfaced earlier today and quickly gained traction on social media, reigniting discussions about accountability, justice, and the speed of investigations in high-profile cases. Many online users expressed optimism that this arrest could signify a pivotal moment in what has been a prolonged legal battle.

Vimal Negi was reported missing on March 10, with his body found on March 18 in Gobind Sagar Lake, located in Bilaspur district. His wife, Kiran Negi, accused senior officials from Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) of harassment.

In response to her petition, the Himachal Pradesh High Court transferred the investigation to the CBI on May 23, citing serious concerns regarding the Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) management of the case.

An FIR was filed in New Delhi under Sections 108 (abetment to suicide) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Legal mandates stipulate that no police officer from the Himachal cadre should participate in the investigation to maintain impartiality.

The arrest of ASI Pankaj is viewed as the CBI intensifying its investigation in light of mounting public pressure and legal mandates. Sources indicate that digital evidence, communication records, and documents obtained from HPPCL and related locations are undergoing forensic examination.

While the specifics of ASI Pankaj’s involvement remain undisclosed, his arrest has led to increased scrutiny of senior officials previously named in complaints, including Deshraj (Director – Electrical, HPPCL) and Harikesh Meena (Managing Director, HPPCL).

Legal experts and critics are now urging for the complete investigative findings to be made public, aiming to alleviate public concerns regarding transparency and to ensure justice for Vimal Negi and his family.