Manali carnival murder: 19-year-old stabbed to death
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet https://himachalscape.com/
Shimla, Jan 23,
A incident marred the ongoing winter carnival in Manali, Kullu district, on Wednesday evening when a 19-year-old local youth, Daksh, was fatally stabbed in the neck during a brawl between two groups in the sidelines of the event venue.
The incident occurred around 8 pm, sending shockwaves through the festive atmosphere. Daksh, a resident of nearby Vashisht village, succumbed to his injuries despite being rushed to the nearby government hospital by on-duty policemen.
The accused, who fled the scene after the attack, was apprehended by police later that evening. While the police did not publicly disclose the suspect’s identity, Kullu SP K Gokulchandran stated that further arrests might be made as the investigation unfolds.
The incident, stemming from a heated altercation, highlighted a concerning lapse in security at the event.
The murder sparked widespread outrage and criticism. Daksh’s family accused the police of negligence, claiming inadequate security measures allowed the tragic incident to occur. Shyam Lal, Daksh’s uncle, expressed his dismay, stating, “My nephew was killed in public view, right in front of the cops on duty. This reflects a serious lack of law and order maintenance.”
The continued cultural performances following the murder drew sharp criticism from local BJP leaders Govind Thakur and Surender Shourie. They condemned the administration’s insensitivity and demanded a halt to the festivities as a mark of respect for the deceased.
Shourie, in a memorandum to the State Governor, highlighted the alarming rise in crime in Kullu district, citing this as the third murder in the region within a month.
The local administration, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, canceled the scheduled events on Thursday, including a ‘maha nati’ dance performance by local women. While the carnival was scheduled to conclude on Friday, the administration has not yet announced its decision on whether to proceed with the final day’s events.
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