Social Media Erupts as IAS Harikesh Meena Gets Interim Relief in Vimal Negi mysterious death Case; Police Calls His Custody Crucial, Family to Move High Court for CBI Probe
Shimla. Widespread outrage has erupted on social media after interim relief was granted to IAS officer Harikesh Meena, the former Managing Director of HPPCL and a key suspect in the high-profile Vimal Negi mysterious death case, which now his wife, Kiran Negi charged that her husband was murdered.
Netizens are questioning how Meena, despite serious allegations and material evidence against him, managed to secure relief from custody.
According to the supplementary status report filed by the Shimla City DSP in the High Court, Meena’s custodial interrogation is crucial for a fair investigation.
The police cited nine key points and four primary reasons to oppose Meena’s bail, pointing to eyewitness accounts, material evidence, and glaring contradictions in his statements.
The DSP’s report highlights that Meena had granted undue extensions to the contractor involved in the case.
It has been established, at least prima facie, that Meena facilitated these benefits.
Furthermore, Meena claimed he did not know Vimal Negi personally, a statement that raised eyebrows since Negi, a Chief Engineer-level officer, had participated in meetings with Meena as recent as on February 27 and 28, 2025 and many other occasions as well.
Adding to the suspicion, police revealed that company directors were specifically sent to convince Vimal Negi to finalise the contract extension — the term "guide" was cautiously used by the investigating officer, hinting at Meena's indirect but influential role in the decision-making.
Further fuelling public anger, prime accused Desraj was recently granted bail by the Supreme Court — reportedly because no one from the police or state side contested the bail application during the hearing.
This glaring lapse has amplified public suspicion about the intentions of the state government.
"Had they placed the DSP’s status report before the Supreme Court, Desraj would not have secured relief," pointed out several observers.
Reacting to these developments, Vimal Negi’s grieving family has now approached the High Court, seeking to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
“The police SIT may be doing its job sincerely, but the actions of the state government inspire little confidence,” said family members, expressing their deep frustration.
On social media, retired Chief Engineer Surender Thakur echoed public sentiment, posting, “Is it believable that a Managing Director does not know a Chief Engineer? Either there has been a grave error in selecting such candidates for the IAS, or Mr. Meena’s intentions were questionable from the very beginning.”
As the clamour for justice grows louder, all eyes are now on the High Court’s next move and whether the investigation will be handed over to the CBI for an independent probe.
