'Appalled by manner of probe': HC pulls up Shimla SP-led SIT

From contents of Shimla SP's affidavit, it seems SIT is trying to portray the deceased had a history of nervous illness.

- Shailee Dogra

SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh high court on Friday questioned Shimla superintendent of police (SP)-led special investigation team (SIT) for its probe into the death Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) chief engineer-cum-general manager Vimal Negi and said it was "appalled" by the manner of the investigation.

"This court is appalled by the mode and manner in which the investigation is going on in terms of the affidavit filed by the superintendent of police, Shimla. It appears as if the SIT is of the view that its job is to investigate whether deceased Vimal Negi ended his life for the simple reason that he was being subjected to improper behavior by Desh Raj, director (electrical) and Harikesh Meena, managing director (HPPCL)," the high court bench of justice of Ajay Mohan Goel observed.

The court made the observations while handing over the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Vimal Negi's body was recovered from Bhakra Dam in Bilaspur on March 18, eight days after he was reported missing. His family alleged Vimal was under "immense mental stress" and was being "harassed" by senior HPPCL officials.

Police registered a case on charges of abetment to suicide on March 22. In her complaint, Vimal's wife Kiran Negi accused top HPPCL officials, including Desh Raj and Harikesh Meena, of mental harassment and mistreatment.