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Shimla Rape Case: SIT Formed, Magisterial Probe Ordered Over Alleged Police Inaction
Shimla-In the case related to alleged kidnapping and rape of a 19-year old girl near Sanjauli of Shimla city, the Director General of Police R.S. Mardi has formed a Special Investigation Team comprising of seven members. The Chief Minister Jairam Thakur has also ordered a magisterial probe into allegations against police officials of Lakkar Bazaar Police Post for not taking action on the complaint of the victim.
The matter was registered last evening, the investigation has begun. It’s a very unfortunate incident, should’ve never happened. I’ve directed to take the strictest action in this matter. The girl is recording her statement before Judicial Magistrate.
the Chief Minister told ANI.
The investigation by the SIT will be monitored by the Deputy Inspector General (Southern Range) and Superintendent of Police, Shimla, on a daily basis. Further, the DGP said the investigation will be done on a priority basis.
The SIT will be headed by Additional Superintendent of Police, Shimla, Praveer Thakur and will include ASP Abhishek Yadav, DSP City Yogesh Joshi, SHO Dhalli PS Raj Kumar, Sub-Inspector Dimple, Assistant Sub-Inspector Dayawanti of Mahila Police Thana, Assistant Sub-Inspector Ranjana and Assistant Sub-Inspector Rajeev Kumar.
The Magisterial probe will be conducted by Additional District Magistrate, Shimla, Prabha Rajeev. The ADM has been asked to submit a report the probe within 24 hours.
Further, as per reports, statement of the victim was also recorded before the Judicial Magistrate under CRPC 164.
As per the FIR filed at Dhalli Police Station, the victim said she had tried to file a complaint at Lakkar Bazaar police post. However, despite the fact that it was night time, she was told to go to Dhalli Police Station. While she was on her way to Dhalli, she was forcefully dragged into a car by some men and raped. The girl recognized these men because they had molested her earlier.
With this statement, the State Police’s alleged dereliction of duty has come under the scanner. If the allegations proved to be true, then it would mean that this crime would have been easily preventable if she was attended appropriately.
The police, however, claims that there were gaps in the statement given by the victim. So far, only partial details were released by police.
The Chief Minister said the State Government is serious about maintaining law and order in the State and action would be taken at the earliest against those involved in this crime. Sensing unrest in public and criticism from oppositions, the CM has begun to ask the parties to not politicize it.
Further, after the initial medical examination of the victim at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Shimla, more tests were conducted at the Kamala Nehru Hospital. As per reports, the first examination had confirmed rape while findings of the second examination were not released.
Opposition Stages Protest, CPI(M) Warns of Public Protest
Along with the general public, the opposition Congress and Communist Party of India launched an attack on the State Government over worsening law and order situation in the State. Congress also staged a protest and alleged that the current government was seeking votes in the name of Gudiya Helpline, claiming that women were now safer. Congress said this crime has revealed the ground reality of the government’s claims.
Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee also submitted a memorandum to the President through Governor of the state demanding the dismissal of the state government.
Sanjay Chauhan, a senior leader of State Unit of CPI(M) also expressed concern over such heinous crime in the city and said that it raises serious questions over the law and order situation in Devbhoomi known for its peaceful environment.
He further alleged that the number of crimes against women has witnessed a rise and the government has failed to deter criminals. He also said that after Gudiya rape and murder case, then Congress government had to face the consequences and was thrown out of power by the people. He alleged that the failure of investigation agencies to bring culprits to justice is only encouraging criminals.
He warned of public protest if proper and timely action was not taken against culprits. He also demanded appropriate compensation to the victim.
On Tuesday, the BJP Mahila Morcha also submitted a memorandum to the Shimla Deputy Commissioner Rajeshwar Goel demanding swift action.
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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