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“Congress MLA’s son uses father’s red-beacon for smuggling”: Locals alleged after fatal assault on 3 Bilaspur youth
BILASPUR-The law and order conditions in district Bilaspur of Himachal Pradesh is degrading. Surprisingly, the Sadar MLA from Congress, Bamber Thakur, is the trendsetter here. He was recently reported to have assaulted the on-duty DFO, Bialspur. Later, he was found threatening a doctor for not yielding to his wish to manipulate official parameters set for issuance of disability certificate. The police and the Chief Minister also appear to be helpless in controlling its notorious MLA.
After three youth were assaulted in Diara Sector by a gang that allegedly included Congress MLA’s elder son, now locals have come out in protest against this hooliganism. In a statement to media, locals have alleged Puranjan Thakur of assisting local smugglers. Locals said to the media that they are fed up with regular hooliganism created by the Congress MLA and his son in the district. In a statement to a media channel, the locals alleged that MLA’s son used red-beacon of his father’s car to smuggle illicit drugs and that the MLA is patronizing growth of mafia.
Watch: Statement of Locals to a Media Channel
The allegations surfaced after three youth, Rohit Soni, Ankit Tondon, and Manish Thakur, were attacked in the Diara locality with sharp weapons by the gang. Three youth were reportedly beaten with hockeys, iron roads, and sharp weapons were left with serious injuries. As per the locals, the gang that included Anil aka Pintu, Sonu, paras, Kitwi, Rahul and Shiva, also included local MLA’s elder son. After the complaint the local police arrested six accused except the MLA’s son.
The parents and locals also alleged that police booked the hooligans for minor scuffle under IPC Section 107 and 151 despite the fact that the assault was fatal in nature. All accused easily availed bail and walked free within no time when a case under IPC Section 307 should have been registered, said the people. After accused were freed, the locals and parents protested in front of the house of the main accused. People demanded to bring the accused out of the house and deport them out of the district. Quick Response Team was called in to protect the accused inside the house that included some teenage boys and some girls as well.
According to a Hindi Daily, the MLA’s son was also present with others in the room. When angry public saw the accused being protected by police, they retaliated with stone-pelting on police vehicles. Following it the police cane-charged the mob. The cane-charge further infuriated the people who smashed and toppled the car of the accused.
The locality also alleged police of cane-charging ladies who were present in the protest. They also asked whether police had obtained permission from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) prior to cane-charge or not?
As per the report published in the daily, later, sharp weapons were found in the room and in the car of the accused. The report also said that a senior police officer came to the spot only to save the MAL’s son and even told people that his hands are tied by the government.
The locals alleged that the administration and police is doing everything to save Bamber Thakur’s son.
It is noticeable that Bambar Thakur was alleged of assaulting the DFO, Bilaspur for objecting to MLA’s illegal construction of road by felling trees. The State Congress remained silent the Chief Minsiter Virbhadra Singh also supported the MLA.
Recently, the MLA was found allegedly threatening and abusing a doctor in regional hospital Bilaspur for denying unlawful issuance of disability certificate to man. The doctor had even released a recording of the telephonic conversation with MLA.
However, the CM had given clean-chit to the MLA calling the incidents as a conspiracy to defame the party.
Apparently, the State party high-command has lost its control over the notorious MLA. The party has taken no measure to stop the MLA misusing his powers and manipulate police over and over again. At the end of the day, it was public that tolerated both assault by goons and cane-charge from police. It’s a matter of worry for people that their elected representative is acting like typical mafia openly without attracting any action from the party or the administration. Such manipulation by police and administration would only degrade faith of people in the law, which hazardous situation for any society.
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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