Shimla, May 24 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh Government has welcomed the High Court’s decision to hand over the mysterious death case of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) chief engineer Vimal Negi to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This comes just days after the state had opposed such a probe before the court.

In a statement, Principal Media Advisor to the Chief Minister, Naresh Chauhan, clarified that the state government had always acted in accordance with the wishes of Vimal Negi’s family and would continue to do so.

Chauhan stated that soon after the recovery of Vimal Negi’s body in March this year, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had ordered the registration of an FIR against officials of HPPCL, who were allegedly involved in misconduct. These officials were also suspended following demands from Negi’s wife and relatives.

He further noted that a senior IAS officer of the rank of Additional Chief Secretary was appointed to conduct an inquiry, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to probe the matter thoroughly.

“Now that the family has expressed dissatisfaction with the SIT investigation and suspects foul play, the government stands by them and fully respects the High Court’s order,” Chauhan said. “The CBI will investigate all angles, and the government has no objection to this course of action.”

Reiterating the Chief Minister’s commitment to justice, Chauhan emphasised that the government was open to any measure that ensures justice to the bereaved family. “If there is any aspect left unexplored, the CBI will uncover it. We welcome the court’s decision,” he concluded.

Vimal Negi, the Chief Engineer of HPPCL, died under suspicious circumstances in March 2025. His body was found in Gobind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur district on March 18, eight days after he went missing on March 10. Negi's family and colleagues alleged that he was under immense workplace stress and harassment before his death.

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