Six-member CBI SIT arrives from Delhi; questioning held at Shimla base camp
Shimla, October 14
The Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Tuesday questioned Sanjeev Gandhi, the then Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Shimla, in connection with the suspicious death of Vimal Negi, the then Chief Engineer of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL).
The six-member SIT, which arrived from Delhi, questioned Gandhi at the CBI’s base camp in Shimla from 11 am to 1.30 pm. Gandhi declined to comment when approached for his response to the questioning.
Judicial proceedings in the case are underway following the filing of a chargesheet by the CBI. According to CBI sources, the process of framing charges is ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled before the special CBI court next week.
Negi was found dead under suspicious circumstances in March 2025. His body was recovered from Gobind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur district. The Himachal Pradesh Police initially investigated the case, but following questions over the probe and a demand from Negi’s family, the state government handed it over to the CBI.
According to the chargesheet, the role of the then managing director and directors of the Power Corporation is under investigation. The allegations include pressure on Negi to act contrary to rules, issue allegedly forged completion certificates and manipulate documents.
The chargesheet also includes allegations against police Assistant Sub-Inspector Pankaj Sharma relating to the destruction of evidence and obstruction of judicial proceedings.
The allegations are yet to be finally adjudicated by the court, and the final verdict in the case is awaited.
