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Kinnaur Youth Missing for 8 Days After Scuffle with Sand Mafia, Suspicious Over Police Investigation, Locals Block NH, Demand CBI Inquiry
Kinnaur – Over the suspected murder of a youth in Kinnaur’s Pooh area following a scuffle with sand mafia, locals from several villages today blocked the traffic on the National Highway -5 near Powari. They demanded an enquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation expressing concern that some wealthy and powerful people involved in this case are influencing the police investigation as well as the district administration. They alleged that owing to his influence on the administrative level, tricks are being played to save the main culprit. The agitation went on for about four hours before the road could be opened for traffic after the ADC agreed to send a request to Home Ministry for a CBI inquiry.
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The case is related to Sonam Negi, a resident of Khab village of Namgya panchayat in Pooh area of Kinnaur district. On the night of September 7, 2019, Sonam had gone to Bhagat Nala on the banks of Sutlej river to fetch sand for the construction work of his building, which was ongoing. Three labourers accompanied him during this time. Some people were already present there, who were said to be related to the sand mafia. Over some matter, a brawl broke out between two parties. The three labourers reportedly fled the scene after the situation got ugly. One of the labourers informed the relatives of Sonam regarding the brawl. The relatives informed the police.
However, by the time the police arrived at the spot, only Sonam’s vehicle loaded with sand and a pair of sleepers were found. Since this incident, Sonam went missing. Next day, when the police and villagers visited the spot again, they found stains of blood on rocks. Based on these stains, they suspected that Sonam was murdered and thrown into Sutlej.
Father of Sonam, Praksah Chand, filed a complained at the Pooh Police Station suspecting a murder. He also named some of the locals. However, the slow pace of investigation agitated the villagers who protested outside Pooh Police station for two days. As per local sources, enraged villagers of about eight villages had gheraoed the Pooh Police station. The locals believed that some influential people including some contractors were involved in the case and that they were affecting the investigation.
Following the protests, the police arrested nine people in relation to the case after three days. A case was filed against all the accused under Section 302, 364, 341 and 34 of IPC. The police had taken all accused on a five-day remand on September 10. The report was confirmed by the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kinnaur, Vipin Kumar. He had also confirmed that the police was questioning the accused.
The remand period was ending today, however, still the police could not trace missing Sonam after eight days of his disappearance. The locals today showed distrust in local police and district administration and blocked the National Highway -5 demanding a CBI inquiry.
The enraged locals warned the administration that more people would join the protest if justice is not delivered to the victim. The villagers ended the agitation and opened the road only after the ADC assured that a request would be forwarded to the Home Ministry seeking a CBI enquiry and a search operation would be launched by the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) to find missing Sonam.
Local sources also suggested that villagers from more regions in the district were planning a massive protest.
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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