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Haunted Shimla locality performs Havan, sprinkles Gangajal, still reluctant to use Keleston water tank supply
Reportedly, one of three accused, Tejinder, made an unsuccessful attempt to commit suicide by hanging himself from a blanket.
SHIMLA- The Keleston-based water storage tanks of Shimla’s Civic body has been cleaned again after CID claimed recovery of Yug Gupta’s skeleton remains from it. Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) has assured the tank is cleaned properly, but the residents of the locality are still haunted by the fact that they were served water from a tank containing decomposing dead-body of a 4-years-old, who was kidnapped, tortured, and thrown alive into the tank. Residents are not able to muster enough strength to use this water for drinking purpose, and are instead running to bawaris (natural water resources) in the area. A long line of people could be seen at these bawaris.
Also Read: Skeleton of missing Shimla kid recovered after 2 years from MC water tank near Bharari
People even performed a ‘havan’ (religious ritual) near the mentioned tank and residents from localities like Keleston, Bhattakuffar etc. attended it and made offerings. A number of school students were also present at the Havan besides political faces like Shimla MLA Suresh Bhardwaj. All prayed for the peace of the departed soul. Holy Gangajal was sprinkled praying for purification of the place.
Entire Shimla was shocked after disclosure of facts in Yug murder case, and Shimla town’s civic body came under scanner for its alleged carelessness in regular cleaning of its storage tanks and making no provision for safety and security.
Shimla Mayor Cry Foul, Says No Remains Found Inside Tank
The Mayor of Shimla, Sanjay Chauhan, has questioned CID’s investigations and has claimed that all remains of Yug’s skeleton were recovered from surroundings of the Keleston-based water tank, not from inside. He alleged Congress and BJP of playing cheap politics over death of an innocent child.
An FIR was registered on Shimla MC on a complaint of DSP (CID) Bhopinder Bragta, who mentioned that some remains of skeleton along with a concrete slab and rope with which Yug was tied were recovered from the tank.
CPIM has also opened attack on government. Senior CPIM leader Rakesh Singh, in a press conference, alleged that underworld has taken command of government in Himachal that has lead to deterioration of law and order. Mr. Singh mentioned several cases of missing people and failure of police to trace them. He also alleged that Yug could have been saved if Shimla Police had not tried to save the culprits, who had high-profile links. He demanded making phone call details of three accused public, which will reveal truth behind the case.
One of Accuse Attempts Suicide in Prison Cell
Reportedly, one of three accused, Tejinder, made an unsuccessful attempt to commit suicide by hanging himself from a blanket. Following this attempt to weave a rope from the threads of blankets to harm himself, the jail authorities have ensured that no such substance be placed in their cells which can be used for committing suicide. All accused are kept separate from other prisoners due to fear of assault.
Photos: Angry mob at Shimla Court Complex roughs up Yug murder accused
CID awaits DNA Test Results
Blood of Yug’s father has been sent for DNA test to verify the skeleton remains are indeed belongs to deceased boy. It is, however, being considered only a legal formality as CID claims strong and ample evidences against three accused, Tejinder Singh, Chander Sharma, and Vikrant Bakshi, who are in judicial custody until September 8. Although, the skeleton remained in water for about two years, but still DNA test can be conducted using femur bone and mandibular canine, said CID.
Photo: Jagarn
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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