Himachal Pradesh has been shaken by its second killing in just twenty-four hours. First came the bloodshed in Shimla's Sanjauli, and now Chamba district's Churah Valley has witnessed another shocking crime, where a young man was killed and his body was found dumped beneath a bridge.
Body Recovered From Under a Bridge
The incident took place along the Chamba-Tissa main road, where the body of a 26-year-old man was found lying under the Kalhel bridge. The deceased was identified as Harvinder Singh (26), a resident of village Rakh Maloga, post office Kalhel, tehsil Churah. The discovery of the body sent a wave of alarm through the area.
Furious Family, Three-Hour Blockade
As soon as word of the death spread, family members and large numbers of villagers gathered at the spot. They were firm that this was no accident but a deliberate murder. Calling the death suspicious and suspecting foul play, the family halted traffic on the Kalhel bridge in full view of the police. The angry crowd jammed the road, bringing movement to a standstill for nearly three hours.
The protest eased only after the station in-charge assured them that the entire matter would be investigated through a forensic team. Only then did the people calm down and lift the blockade. Station in-charge Ashok Kumar confirmed that it was the family members who had staged the road jam.
Three Accused Detained, Vehicle Recovered
By late evening, police took three accused involved in the crime into custody and also recovered a vehicle from the scene. According to police officials, the accused are being questioned and a thorough investigation is under way to establish the real motive behind the killing.
Sanjauli Shook Shimla Just 24 Hours Earlier
Notably, just before this, on Saturday, the operator of a private school in Shimla's Sanjauli town was shot dead by two masked attackers who fled after carrying out the crime. Police are still empty-handed in that case. Two murders within just two days have raised serious questions over the state's law and order.
