News
CBI seeks more remand for DW Negi, hearing of 8 other accused deferred
It is believed that the conspiracy of framing Raju, a co-accused, for the alleged murder of Suraj was originally conceived by DW Negi.
Shimla: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday produced DW Negi, a suspended police officer of the Himachal Pradesh Police department and former Superintendent of Police, Shimla in the Court of Judicial Magistrate Ranjeet Thakur.
As expected, the agency sought more remand for Negi for further questioning. However, the court deferred the case to November 21 or say extended the remand for one more day. The court will hear the CBI’s plea on Tuesday.
The court has also told Negi to be prepare for any sort of tests, if required.
Negi was on a four-days remand after the CBI arrested him on November 16 for filing a forged FIR in the case relating to the custodial death of one of the six accused arrested in the ‘Gudiya gangrpae and murder’ case.
The agency took Negi to Delhi where he faced rigorous questioning sessions of the CBI.
Meanwhile, eight arrested police officials were also to be produced in the court on Monday. However, again the counsel of the accused did not appear before the magistrate. The court had to re-schedule the hearing for November 23.
The CBI had sought permission to collect the voice samples of all the arrested officials, but the court had to defer the hearing to November 20 because the counsel of the defense had failed to appear before the court.
The defense counsel was also missing today, so the CBI could not obtain permission to collect the said samples. It is believed that the counsel of the accused is having second thought about contesting the case.
It is now crystal clear that the arrested members of the HP Police SIT, that was set up to probe the case, allegedly killed Suraj, a Nepalese laborer, for a reason while he was locked up at the Police Station, Kotkhai,
The CBI will have to file a charge sheet against these officials by November 30. Otherwise, they will be eligible for a bail.
However, as per sources, the agency could not make the eight arrested police officials disclose the motive behind the killing; was it for money or under political pressure?
The CBI is out of time. The motive behind the killing of Suraj can explain the local police’s eagerness to frame wrong individuals. Then Deputy Superintendent of Police, Theog, Manoj Joshi, had met then SP Shimla Negi right after Suraj was killed. Following this meeting, Negi and Joshi reportedly met then Inspector General, Southern Range, Zahur H Zaidi.
It is believed that the conspiracy of framing Raju, a co-accused, for the alleged murder of Suraj was originally conceived by DW Negi.
Though Negi was not a part of the Police SIT, the crime had occurred in his district. Moreover, Negi had spent a couple of days investigating the custodial death prior to the arrival of the CBI.
Also, some sources are suggesting that the CBI’s investigation is now focused on money as the motive behind killing Suraj to shield some facts or real culprits.
From the day the SIT had announced cracking the case, locals were speculating that bribes worth crores of rupees were already paid by the wealthy families of the real culprits.
Also, the police did a good job in tempering the forensic samples taken from the crime spot. The samples did not match with any of the arrested accused or the suspects. The working of the Junga-based forensic laboratory of the State police is also in question.
Photo: File
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
Home Decor Ideas 2020