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Dr. Jyoti death row: Now local police in Bilaspur alleged of staging murder as suicide
On Tuesday, finally the Superintendent of Police, Anjum Ara, formed a three member Special Investigation Team led by Deputy SP, Rajesh Kumar, to conduct a probe in the case.
Shimla: After an alleged shoddy investigation in the mysterious death of forest guard Hoshiyar Singh in Karsog, Mandi, and arrest of police officials including the Inspector General of Police, Zahur H Zaidi, in custodial killing of an accused in Kotkhai rape and murder case, Himachal Pradesh Police is again caught in a controversy.
On September 6, Dr. Jyoti Thakur, posted as a physiotherapist at the Bilaspur Hospital, was reported to have ended her life and her body was found in the rented apartment in Rauda Sector. The local police said it was a case of suicide. However, Jyoti’s parents and brother challenged the police claim and alleged it of misleading them by falsely labeling it as a case of suicide.
The parents referred to some points that strengthened the suspicion of people too. Parents suspected it to be a murder involving an unknown third person. Victim’s brother, Ashish Thakur, filed an online complaint alleging it a case of pre-planned murder. The brother also filed an online petition on Change.org requesting people to sign it and help him get justice for his sister, who was allegedly murdered. He alleged the local police and some unknown person of staging it as a suicide. The petition said:
I want justice for my sister she is brutally murdered
I am a citizen of district Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh under grave stress and lost all hope in police and administrations. My sister was brutally murdered and local police and administration are hell bent to prove that this is a case of suicide. It has been six days that we have not been post-mortem and forensic report. We urge you with deep sorrow to interfere in this matter get us justice.
The parents alleged that the police had already visited the room but lied to them claiming it entered the room in their presence only.
The post-mortem was conducted at about 8 PM in a haphazard manner under suspicious circumstances, alleged the parents.
They alleged the police claimed it entered the room only after the arrival of the parents at about 2 PM, but the photo of her body had already appeared on social media at about 12 PM. The parents questioned if no one entered Jyoti’s room prior to them, then who clicked this photograph.
The parents also alleged that the room was vandalized when they entered it, but in the picture, it appeared fine and things were on their places. They suspected that someone had already entered the room and ransacked the place like he/she was searching for something.
Thereafter, the parents and people have been protesting and demanding a fair probe. On Tuesday, finally the Superintendent of Police, Anjum Ara, formed a three member Special Investigation Team led by Deputy SP of Ghumarwin, Rajesh Kumar, to conduct a probe in the case.
The SIT had already initiated a probe and is said to have recovered some items like laptop, memory card, mobile bills, pages of a diary etc. from the room of the victim.
It is noticeable that initially the police had denied recovery of any such object from the room.
The SP has assured the parents of a fare probe.
However, repeated naming in controversies and allegations of manipulation in investigations of criminal cases is damaging the trust of people on its police. These cases has raised critical question over the allegiance of the police towards people.
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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