Himachal: Altercation Erupts Between Two Youths Over Panchayat Elections; one died

May 26, 2026

A young man died in Darlaghat after being shoved during an altercation regarding the Panchayat elections. Based on a formal complaint, the police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. In a statement given to the police, Deepak Kumar alias Shashi—son of Ram Datt Sharma and a resident of village Kotla Pujaria (Darlaghat)—alleged that on the night of May 24, he was in the company of Ashwani, son of Ram Ratan and a resident of village Dawaru.

On May 25, the two visited the Jalpa Mata Temple in Syar, where they encountered Kunal, a resident of Syar. During this meeting, an argument erupted between Kunal and Ashwani regarding the Panchayat elections. Later, the three of them got food packed from an eatery in Syar and proceeded to the home of Tapan, a resident of Syar. Once there, the dispute and exchange of abusive language between the two men resumed. Deepak and Tapan managed to get Kunal to sit inside a room; however, around 9:30 PM, Kunal stormed out in a fit of rage and gave Ashwani a forceful shove, causing him to fall from the balcony.

Following the incident, everyone immediately rushed downstairs, where they found Ashwani lying unconscious with blood oozing from his hands and left ear. With the assistance of a ‘108’ ambulance service, he was transported to Arki Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.

Meanwhile, DSP Darlaghat, Naveen Jhalta, confirmed the incident, stating that the police have registered a case against the accused, Kunal, based on the complaint received, and have initiated further legal proceedings. The investigation into the matter is ongoing.