Himachal: Attack on CM’s Media Advisor’s Son, Mastermind Arrested

March 24, 2026

The Shimla Police have arrested the prime conspirator in the case involving an attempted attack on the son of Naresh Chauhan, the Chief Minister’s Media Advisor. Two other accused individuals had already been arrested in connection with this incident.

During the intensive investigation into the matter, the prime conspirator, identified as Manish Verma alias ‘Manu’ (a resident of Village Jaghedi, Post Office & Tehsil Theog, District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh; currently residing at Chakdehal Bhattakufer, Shimla), has now also been taken into custody.

The accused, Manu, works as a property dealer and contractor. The investigation has revealed that Manu was, in fact, the mastermind behind this entire crime. He kept a constant watch on the daily activities of the victim, Aryan Chauhan; by gathering comprehensive details regarding his daily routine, travel timings, and frequented locations, he meticulously hatched a plot to kidnap him. The accused had conspired with his accomplices to execute this criminal act.

During precise police operations and raids, an illegal firearm and 10 live cartridges were recovered from the accused’s possession. The accused, Manu, is an individual with a criminal background, against whom several cases are registered. Thanks to the vigilance, technical analysis, and sustained efforts of the Shimla Police, the first two accused were arrested earlier, and now the prime conspirator has also been apprehended. Interrogation of the accused is currently underway.

What is the full case?

The incident dates back to March 20. In a complaint filed with the police, Aryan Chauhan (a resident of Navbahar, Shimla) stated that three suspects had intercepted him on the Tarapur road. The suspects exited their vehicle and attempted to carry out a robbery and demand a ransom. During the incident, the accused were armed with a pistol and an iron rod. The complainant managed to save himself by jumping to safety. Subsequently, the accused fled the scene in their vehicle. The police later recovered the vehicle from near Mashobra.