The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet detailing alleged irregularities and manipulation of documents in the Pekhubela Solar Power Project in Himachal Pradesh. The chargesheet, filed in connection with the death of former Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, points to serious discrepancies between project progress and official records, suggesting undue benefits were provided to a contractor.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the CBI informed the court that a completion certificate for the Pekhubela solar project was allegedly issued despite incomplete work. Senior officials of the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) are accused of bypassing established rules, potentially facilitating an undue financial benefit of approximately Rs 13 crore to the project’s contractor. The agency also stated that Negi was allegedly subjected to pressure from senior officers, leading to significant mental distress.
According to the CBI’s submissions in court, senior officials are accused of attempting to solicit favourable comments and proposals from their subordinates. The investigation has reportedly uncovered evidence of abuse of official position, manipulation of project documents, and criminal conspiracy. These alleged actions occurred within the framework of the Pekhubela Solar Power Project’s development.
Further allegations within the chargesheet target Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Pankaj Sharma for allegedly tampering with crucial evidence. The CBI stated that a pendrive containing significant data was recovered by Sharma on the day Vimal Negi’s body was found near a lake in Bilaspur district. The agency further alleged that ASI Sharma took possession of this pendrive without officially informing relevant parties and subsequently formatted it, raising questions about the integrity of the retrieved information.
Vimal Negi, who held the position of Chief Engineer at HPPCL, had been reported missing from Shimla on March 10. His body was subsequently discovered on March 18 on the banks of a lake in Bilaspur district. Negi’s death had sparked considerable anger among his family members and colleagues within the corporation. Negi’s family had previously alleged that mental harassment by senior officers was a contributing factor to his demise.
The initial investigation into the matter was conducted by the Himachal Pradesh state police. However, following a court order, the case was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation in May 2025 for a more comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Negi’s death and the alleged irregularities in the solar project.
The Pekhubela solar project is a significant undertaking in the region, aimed at harnessing solar energy. Such large-scale infrastructure projects often involve complex contractual agreements and rigorous oversight. Allegations of financial impropriety and procedural violations can have far-reaching implications for project execution, public funds, and institutional integrity.
The CBI’s involvement underscores the gravity of the charges, as the agency is tasked with investigating serious criminal offences and corruption at a national level. The filing of a chargesheet marks a critical stage in the judicial process, where the investigating agency presents its findings to the court, paving the way for further legal proceedings.
The circumstances of Negi’s death, compounded by allegations of pressure and evidence tampering, highlight potential systemic issues within the administration and oversight of public projects. The investigation is expected to shed light on the accountability of individuals involved in the alleged misconduct.
The case also brings to the forefront the importance of transparency and adherence to rules in government-funded projects. The alleged bypassing of regulations for financial gain and the potential obstruction of justice through evidence tampering are serious concerns that will be addressed through the ongoing legal process.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
