News
Priyanka Vadra Case: HP High Court PRO given clean chit without fair probe, alleges RTI activist in his letter to CJ
RTI activist requested the court to hand over the case to the Cyber Crime Cell of the Himachal Pradesh Police to obtain exact factual data from the Google authorities
SHIMLA- In high-profile case of land purchase by Priyanka Vadra in Shimla, RTI Activist, Dev Ashish Bhattacharya, has again written to the Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court criticizing clean chit given to its Public Relation of Officer, Sanveev Sethi, without proper and fair probe.
In July, the activist had alleged the PRO of leaking court orders prior to scheduled date, which had led to misinterpretation by newspapers along with causing damage to reputation of the court.
Correction: Priyanka had purchased three-and-half Bigha of land, not 4.45
The activist had sought the details of Priyanka Vadra ‘s Shimla land purchase deal under RTI Act 2005, which was challenged in the High Court. An order passed by court during one of the hearings of Civil Writ Petition (CWP -3144/2015) on July 28, 2016, the activist had reported leak of court’s order to journalists one day prior to the scheduled date and had written to the Chief Justice reporting the same.
Read About the Case: PRO leaked HP High Court orders in Priyanka Vadra land deal case prior to official announcement, alleges RTI activist
On the basis of his complaint submitted on July 30, 2016, an inquiry was conducted by the LD. Deputy Registrar-cum-Special Private Secretary, said the activist. The PRO was given clean-chit without recording the statement of the complainant (the activist). The activist called it against the principal of natural justice as it denied the complainant from registering his statement against the accused.
The procedure of the inquiry being conducted by the LD. Deputy Registrar-cum-Special Private Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Justice was totally against the basic rules of the Natural Justice. I was not involved in the said inquiry and without giving me any chance to represent my side uncalled for observations were put on records and a clean chit is granted to the PRO of the High Court,
said the activist.
The activist also alleged that he was not informed regarding the results of the inquiry and had to file an RTI to obtain the same.
The Ld. Dy. Registrar, Prem Chand Verma did not even send me the outcome of the said inquiry and I had to obtain the same by invoking the provisions of the RTI Act 2005,
the activist further stated in the letter.
The PRO, in his statement, reasons that anyone can temper with details of e-mails sent through Google (G) Mail. However, the registrar didn’t confirm the truth by seeking details of the sent mail from the service provider (Gmail), he further said.
The activist rubbished the allegation made against him by the PRO in his statement that the details of time were tempered with.\
Google authorities should be involved so that it is ascertained that at what level the tampering of the mail, if it happened, took place,
pleaded the activist to the Chief Justice.
I strongly deny the said observations of the Dy. Registrar and request him to hand over the case to the Cyber Crime Cell of the Himachal Pradesh Police so that the exact fact can be obtained from the Google authorities,
the activist demanded.
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
Home Decor Ideas 2020