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Viral Kanda Jail Video: Cop records prisoners using Facebook in jail, gets suspended and harassed for exposing big security loophole
SHIMLA- The Modern Central Kanda Jail, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, has suspended HP police constable, Bhanu Prashar, who had exposed the startling security loophole inside the jail premises by posting a video on social media. The cop had also declared war against the alleged mistreatment of sub-ordinate staff by officers. The constable is now allegedly facing mental harassment for blowing the whistle. As per the cop, he hasn’t even received his salary for last five months, which has left him in serious financial crisis. After he received no support from his own department, he went on a hunger strike a few days ago. Now, he is admitted at Rippon hospital, Shimla after his health deteriorated. Shockingly, no senior police official or anyone from his own department has approached this cop to conduct fair inquiry. Instead, the Jail Superintendent, Sher Chand, had initiated probe against the cop.
Watch The Video
The video shows two men using social media on computer. The constable had made shocking allegation that these two men visible in the video are actually prisoners, who are sentenced for serious crimes of murder and rape. One of them is a local. One of the prisoners shares same block in which an IS agent is imprisoned. The prisoners are allegedly sitting in the office.
When the Jail Superintendent was asked regarding the video, he explained the prisoners were working on a website and that jail authorities encourage educated inmates. However, the video very clearly shows that the two men were uploading a picture of kid on Facebook. Moreover, according to the suspended cop they were alone in the room and there was no one to monitor them.
Superintendent was unable to explain it why they were using Facebook. He instead labeled the Bhanu as an undisciplined cop, who has been in controversies.
The statement of the SP at least confirms that the video is not fake, and that it was actually recorded inside Kanda Jail.
Himachal Watcher talked to the suspended constable, who is a warder, to confirm the facts related to the matter. As per the constable, when he reported this grieve security breach to the seniors, he was suspended. Thereafter, the constable took to social media and posted the said video clip. The cop started a hunger strike a couple of days ago. On Monday, his condition deteriorated. But the authority didn’t provide him even an ambulance or attendant, Bhanu told HW on Monday. One of the constable’s friends, who is a teacher, brought him to Rippon hospital, Shimla in his personal car where he is admitted in emergency ward.
Please, listen to the video clip of Bhanu that he himself recorded on our request:
The cop has labeled serious allegations of harassment by his own department, framing false charges and cases that were used to exploit provisions of Central Civil Services against him.
He hasn’t received his salary for last four months, he alleged. When he asked for the reason behind withholding his salary, he wasn’t given any explanation but just reference to some CCS rules.
Our manual of rules for jails is written in such a way that honest and helpless cops are turned into slaves of officers,
told Bhanu to HW.
I have faced suspension orders earlier too because I broke the silence and complaint of what is wrong. Everytime I tried to raise my voice, I was harassed,
said Bhanu.
In 10 years of my service, now I have become insensitive like a stone,
he further added.
It’s a very usual scene to see prisoners accessing internet using computers installed in rooms of officers, which is shocking from the point of security, he told HW. He further alleged that some prisoners even have full access to cellphones and internet. Prisoners are allowed to go out without parole, he alleged. Prisoners do use money to please the authorities and get better treatment.
The constable has also alleged jail authority of corruption in matters of management of resources. A packet of biri is over-priced in Jail canteen, expired goods are sold, and almost every affair of the jail is subject to question, he alleged.
After suspension, now he alleges authority of harassing him mentally. After suspension, he is not allowed to leave headquarter without obtaining permission. He even pointed out that the colleagues who had liked the video on social media also faced wrath of the authority.
In fact, everytime I complained or brought such issues to higher officials, I either faced transfer or humiliation,
he said.
Before posting the video, I tried to contact the DG prison, Somesh Goyal, IPS, through social media. I left a message for him on his Facebook profile, but didn’t receive any response. He is an honest and active officer. I don’t know why he isn’t responding. I want him to come to the prison and take a round in the presence of media to confirm my allegations,
told Bhanu to HW.
The department has not come out with any statement and seems to be sweating to hush the matter. However, the cop seeks support of people and honest officials to bring the matter to justice.
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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