Youth Congress Leader shot dead in Una Hotel brawl; Two critically injured as police probe trigger behind midnight violence
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Shimla/Una, Nov 20,
A midnight confrontation between two groups at a Una hotel spiralled into deadly violence, leaving a Youth Congress leader dead and two others battling for life, in an incident that has once again intensified public anxiety over rising street-level crime in Himachal Pradesh.
The clash erupted shortly after 12 am at Raizada Hotel in Lal Singhi, where—according to police—two unrelated birthday celebrations were wrapping up. As guests from both gatherings began dispersing, tempers flared between a few individuals at the parking area. The argument rapidly escalated into a physical fight, during which one of the men involved, identified as Parvinder, allegedly pulled out a firearm and opened fire.
Ashu Puri, a Santokhgarh resident known locally for his mining-related work and political involvement, suffered two bullet injuries and died shortly afterward. Parvinder and another man, Purender, also sustained grievous injuries in the melee. All three were rushed to the regional hospital for emergency care before the injured were referred to PGI Chandigarh in critical condition. Police confirmed that the alleged shooter, Parvinder, is among those hospitalized.
Una Police have registered a case of murder and attempted murder, while also probing the larger group dynamics behind the clash. Officials said several people from both parties appear to have been involved in the brawl. CCTV footage from the hotel premises is being scrutinised, and a forensic team has lifted samples from the scene. SHO Una Gaurav Bhardwaj said investigators are still trying to determine the exact provocation that triggered the violence.
The killing has set off a wave of political reaction. Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur questioned what he termed a “disturbing spike in gangwar-like incidents,” alleging that the state’s deteriorating law and order environment has emboldened violent elements. The incident has added fuel to an already polarised debate over policing strength, public safety measures, and the frequency of violent confrontations in semi-urban pockets of the state.
Meanwhile, Puri’s post-mortem will be conducted at Una. The shooting sent shockwaves through the locality late Tuesday night, with residents expressing concern over weapons being used in civilian altercations and the need for stricter monitoring of late-night gatherings at hotels and banquet spaces.
As police continue examining surveillance footage and recording statements of witnesses, they say more arrests or charges may follow depending on the findings.
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