Arson attack guts 62-year-old forest rest house in Habban of Rajgarh

Nahan/Shimla,  July 5,
In a shocking incident of suspected arson and attempted murder, a 62-year-old Forest Department rest house at Thandidhar, under the Habban forest range in Himachal Pradesh’s Rajgarh subdivision, was reduced to ashes on the night of June 29. The structure, which also served as a hut for forest guards, was reportedly set on fire by an individual allegedly involved in illegal timber smuggling.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Rajgarh, V.C. Negi, confirmed that Naresh Kumar (29), a resident of Jamoli (Jadol Taproli), has been arrested in connection with the crime. He faces serious charges including attempt to murder, criminal trespass, and destruction of government property.

According to police reports, Van Mitra (forest volunteer) Ambika Thakur and her brother were asleep inside the rest house when the fire broke out. Fortunately, both managed to escape in time, narrowly avoiding what could have been a deadly outcome.

Investigations revealed that Naresh Kumar, allegedly intoxicated at the time, approached the site with the intention of stealing nearly 35 pine logs that had earlier been seized by forest officials and stored near the guard hut. On spotting Ambika inside, he allegedly poured petrol on the structure and ignited it in a fit of rage, possibly to destroy evidence and silence witnesses.

“The blaze was no accident,” stated DSP Negi. “It was a calculated act meant to intimidate and conceal the suspect’s involvement in illegal logging.”

The police have also identified a minor believed to be involved in the incident, and further investigations are underway to establish the full scope of the conspiracy.

The Forest Department has filed an official complaint, following which a case was registered at the Rajgarh police station. The destruction of the decades-old rest house has drawn strong condemnation from local forest officials, who are demanding stringent action against those attempting to sabotage forest conservation efforts through violence and intimidation.

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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Himachalscape bureau

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.