Intrigue Deepens: CBI Court Sends ASI Pankaj Sharma to Judicial Custody

In a significant development, a CBI court on Tuesday ordered suspended Assistant Sub-Inspector Pankaj Sharma into a 10-day judicial custody until September 26. The decision comes amidst allegations against Sharma for tampering with evidence linked to the enigmatic death of former Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited executive Vimal Negi.

Sharma, apprehended on Sunday, stands accused of manipulating a critical pen drive that purportedly contained vital evidence in the investigation of Negi's death, which occurred under suspicious circumstances in March. The CBI petitioned for Sharma's custodial interrogation, but the court opted for judicial custody, denying Sharma's bail request.

The inquiry into Negi's death, initially handled by a Special Investigation Team, was subsequently transferred to the CBI following a court order. The agency has registered a case of abetment to suicide and is questioning numerous individuals, including Negi's family. Sharma's arrest could potentially shed light on crucial evidence tampering.

(With inputs from agencies.)