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18 policemen, 4 homeguards suspended for alleged extortion at barriers in Lahaul-Spiti
Shimla – After controversies over the probes in Kotkhai rape and murder case and the alleged suicide of the forest guard Hoshiyar Singh, the Himachal Pradesh Police Department faced yet another embarrassment as 18 policemen and four homeguards were suspended for extorting money from army vehicles in Lahaul- Spiti district.
A complaint from senior army officer revealed that the police staff didn’t hesitate to ask for bribe even from men in uniform. Enraged over this complaint, the Superintendent of Police, Lahaul-Spiti, took a stern action and created stir in the department by ordering the suspension of the entire staff at two police barriers and a police chowki.
With this action, it is believed that the police had been carrying out this illegal extortion from vehicles in exchange for allowing them to cross the barrier first.
As per the report, the scam was exposed when an army official made an online complaint that the police staff deployed at the Darcha, and Sarchu barriers demanded Rs. 200 in exchange for allowing their vehicles to pass first. The army official, in his complaint, alleged that when their fleet arrived at Darchu barrier, the police staff extracted Rs. 200 from him. When the officer revealed his identity as an army official, the police returned the money.
Similarly, when the fleet arrived at the Sarchu barrier, the police staff on duty again extorted Rs. 200 as a bribe.
Following the complaint, the newly appointed SP, Gaurav Singh, visited the barriers and the Koskar chowki. The SP confirmed that he found irregularities in the discharge of the duties at the Koskar chowki. The SP, who had earlier earned public respect by the name of Baddi’s Singham, created stir by putting the entire staff of Koskar Chowki and Sarchu and Darchu police barriers under suspension.
The policemen suspended at the Koskar chowki include an ASI, a head-constable, and six constables. At the Darchu and Sarchu barriers, two head constables and eight constables were suspended following the complaint and a visit by the SP.
The SP said departmental probe will be initiated against all suspended policemen.
It’s been hardly a week that the IPS Gaurav, who was earlier posted in Kangra as the ASP, joined as the new SP of Lahaul-Spiti following a big shuffle in HPS and IPS officials.
Earlier, Gaurav had remained in the news after he had become a terror for mining and drug mafia in the Baddi region of district Solan. Then posted as the ASP Baddi, the officer was reportedly transferred after he took action against a mining company owned by the Doon MLA’s wife for illegal mining. The Doon MLA had reportedly approached the Chief Minister, and soon a transfer order was slapped on the face of the honest young IPS officer.
However, the IPS officer continues to display the courage to take action against even his own staff. It won’t be a surprise of the officer is against transferred following this action in Lahaul Spiti.
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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