CBI 'collecting, examining evidence' in Vimal Negi case

The CBI has intensified its probe into the mysterious death of Vimal Negi, an engineer with the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (HPPCL), with officials actively collecting and examining evidence, sources said here on Friday.

A senior CBI officer confirmed that a three-member team -- headed by a Deputy Superintendent of Police and comprising an inspector and a sub-inspector -- has moved into the evidence-gathering and examination phase.

“The investigation is progressing. Statements of several individuals have been recorded, and the team is analysing communication records and other data linked to Negi’s tenure at HPPCL,” a source said.

Digital devices recovered during the initial investigation are undergoing forensic analysis to verify the family’s allegations of pressure and harassment, CBI sources added.

The development comes days after sharp political criticism of the CBI by Himachal Pradesh Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, who accused the agency of inaction and praised the state police’s earlier efforts.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court transferred the case to the CBI on May 23, following a petition by Vimal Negi’s wife, Kiran Negi, who expressed dissatisfaction with the state police’s investigation. The court also directed that no Himachal-cadre officer be involved in the CBI inquiry to ensure impartiality.

The CBI subsequently registered an FIR on May 26 under Sections 108 (abetment to suicide) and 3(5) (involvement of multiple persons in a crime) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against unknown individuals.