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Kotkhai Case: Blacklist DC Shimla for display of incompetency, says RTI activist in letter to PMO India and Governor
Shimla – The Deputy Commissioner, Shimla, Rohan Chand Thakur, yesterday visited the family of Kotkhai rape and murder victim. It was the first time the DC met the family or visited the crime spot or talked to locals since July 6. The DC faced criticism for his alleged indifference toward the sensitivity of the case. He should have visited the grieving family and the spot much earlier.
On Friday, the DC Shimla, along with the new Superintendent of Police, Shimla, Somya Sadasivan, visited the area and met the family. The DC offered the family a Rs. 2 lakh from District Red Cross Fund with assurance to take full responsibility for the education of victim’s brother. He said the administration is taking confidence building measures to restore peace.
However, people are still miffed over the fact that, as the head of the administration, he remained completely silent earlier.
RTI Activist, Dev Ashish Bhattacharya, called it a “display of incompetency, indifference, and callous attitude” by the IAS officer. In a letter written to the Governor, HP, PMO India, the Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training, Delhi, and the Union Home Secretary, Delhi, the RTI activist demanded blacklisting IAS Rohan so that he isn’t assigned any sensitive post.
The activist said the most unfortunate incident of rape and murder of a school girl “Gudiya” took place in Kotkhai area of Shimla district, entire state boiled under rage, and mass demonstrations were held daily. However, said Bhattacharya, the DC remained seated in his office and did not use his sense and acumen to deal with the situation.
Astonishingly, the DC did not visit the spot of the crime even once during this entire period of turmoil, he said.
Thus, Rohan Chand Thakur, IAS, demonstrated an act of cowardice and displayed the least of leadership qualities as were expected from any well-trained direct IAS recruit,
said Bhattacharya.
The law and order situation kept degrading, and distress of public over discrepancies in the probe conducted by HP Police SIT continued to rise. Despite all this, the DC just watched the show, alleged Bhattacharya.
The activist asked the authorities to take action against him, and ask him to explain his position that why he did not perform his duties as District Magistrate on receiving information of the gruesome crime. The DC should be asked that why he did not visit the crime scene even once as the head of the district administration.
An explanation should be sought from the DC that why he did not come out amid distressed people as law and order situation worsened with each passing day, he said.
Bhattacharya has requested the Secretary DOP&T to put Mr. Thakur in the blacklisted category of the IAS officers till the time proves that he has improved upon his competency in administration.
Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBi) took over the case from HP Police on Friday and initiated a probe. Sources suggest the team had arrived in Shimla on Thursday, but CBI did not make any official confirmation.
The State High Court had directed CBI on Tuesday to form an SIT within two days and submit its report within two weeks.
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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