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Bilaspur Youth Dies of Suspected Drug Overdose
Bilaspur-A youth in Bilaspur district reportedly died of a drug overdose. Though the police is awaiting the post-mortem and forensic reports, it is almost certain that the youth had consumed some kind of drug.
A spoon, syringe, aluminium foil, mobile and some other objects were found near the body of the victim, the Additional Superintendent of Police, Bhag Mal confirmed.
The youth, who is identified as Aditya – a resident of Nihar Sector of Bilaspur town –had gone missing on Friday. As per the parents, he was a student of a private engineering college based in Bilaspur. On Friday, the parents said, he had taken money from them to deposit his fee after which he disappeared.
Following his disappearance, the parents had filed a police complaint. On Saturday, he was found dead near the workshop of Public Works Department.
The ASP said that all the objects found near the body of the victim were sent for forensic testing. The exact cause of the death could be ascertained only after we receive reports of post-mortem and forensic tests, he said.
The incident once against brings the growing, unpalatable drug menace in Himachal Pradesh into the limelight. It is not the first such case where youth is suspected to have died of a drug overdose. There are other instances too. However, parents avoid revealing the cause of deaths so that this information doesn’t reach the media.
If we consider the actual intensity of drug menace in Himachal, youth in several districts, especially Shimla, Mandi, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Solan etc. are in the grip of drugs.
In 2019, during the first seven months, 1,622 cases were already filed under Narcotic Drugs & Psychoactive Substances (ND&PS)Act. Over 780 people were arrested in these cases. Other than charas and opium, over five kilograms of Heroin (Chitta) was seized in these cases. The number would be much higher currently.
In September 2019, two locals were nabbed in Mandi district’s Salapar with 100.31-gram heroin. It was the biggest consignment of heroin (Chitta) seized in the district so far.
In October 2019, Shimla Police had registered two cases wherein 85 grams of Heroin was recovered from three accused.
Seizure of such high quantities clearly indicates that demand of Heroin is increasing in the state.
With the advent of social media, the tricks of the drug trade have also changed; most of the drug sales nowadays are done on “Dark Net”. The state needs to ensure that our intelligence and police are abreast with all the latest technological advancement to nab the big fish of the drug trade.
The Director-General of Police, HP, RS Mardi, admits that after regular campaigns to uproot cannabis and poppy from fields, smuggling of synthetic drugs has worsened the situation.
He informed that a Mobile App “ Drug-Free Himachal’ and Nasha Nivaram Toll-Free Helpline(1908) were launched to control the ongoing drug menace. In addition, Nasha Nivaran Samitis comprising of NGOs, youth, media, retired police officials, panchayat members etc. have also been formed to deal with the menace on local levels.
School children are being sensitized about the harmful effects of consuming drugs and their addiction. Over 2200 schools and over 170 colleges have been covered under this sensitization campaign of the state police.
What is more alarming is that during the last two years, a large number of local youth have been nabbed in relation to supply of Heroin. In some of the cases, the youth were found to be members of influential families having a strong political background.
In this row, n September 2019, Hamirpur Police had arrested two youth with heroin at a hotel. One of the youth was identified as Kunal Bhatiya, 18, son of Anil Bhatiya – an influential political leader.
In June 2018, four including the son of ex-MLA of Bilaspur, Bambar Thakur, was allegedly caught with 498 grams of charas that he was carrying in a car registered in his father’s name.
Names of Nigerian drug peddlers have also appeared on multiple occasion. In July 2018, based on a tip, Shimla Police had laid a trap and successfully arrested a Nigerian national Kra Basile and seized Heroin from his possession.
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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