Shimla, Dec 24 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh High court on Wednesday granted bail to IAS officer in the alleged abetment to suicide case of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) Chief Engineer Harikesh Meena holding that CBI had not establish his prima facie involvement at this stage.
Pronouncing its decision on an application where orders had earlier been reserved, a single bench of Justice Virender Singh observed that the investigation carried out so far had failed to satisfy the judicial conscience of the court.
The bench noted that no direct or proximate act attributable to Meena had been shown which could constitute abetment to suicide, even though the investigation is still underway.
It is pertinent to mention that soon after the registration of the FIR against Meena and two other HPPCL officials, he was transferred from his post as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of HPPCL.
Subsequently, the Congress-led state government posted him as Director, Youth Services and Sports.
Following the recovery of Vimal Negi’s body from on March 18, the State Police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on the complaint of Negi’s widow. Alleging harassment of her husband at the workplace, she later approached the High Court seeking transfer of the probe to an independent agency. Acting on her plea, the High Court handed over the investigation to the CBI.
While granting bail, the High Court clarified that the seriousness of allegations alone could not justify denial of liberty, particularly when custodial interrogation was not shown to be necessary and documentary evidence had already been seized.
The court also took note of the fact that a similarly placed co-accused, former HPPCL Director (Electrical) Desh Raj had earlier been granted bail by the Supreme court and extended the benefit of parity to Meena.
The court made it clear that Meena must cooperate with the ongoing investigation and comply with all bail conditions, warning that any violation could lead to cancellation of bail. He would not leave the country and would submit bail bound of Rs 50000 with the satisfaction of investigating officer.
All observations, the court said, are confined to the bail stage and would not influence the trial on merits, even as the CBI continues its probe into the circumstances leading to Vimal Negi’s death.
Himachal Pradesh HC grants bail to IAS officer Harikesh Meena in Vimal Negi suicide case; probe by CBI to continue
