Shimla, April 28: Authorities in Himachal Pradesh are facing intense criticism following the death of a woman during a temple consecration ceremony in the Rohru area. The tragedy occurred late Sunday during the ‘Bhai-Bhai Milan’ ritual, when a stray bullet from a celebratory firing session fatally struck 26-year-old Ritika as devotees gathered to mark the meeting of local deities.
Shimla SSP Gaurav Singh affirmed that the police have taken two men into custody and are recording statements from eyewitnesses. He stated that the investigation is focused on the circumstances of the firing and whether the weapon used was legally held. “Two accused have been arrested, and the weapon used in the incident has been recovered,” Singh declared, noting that the case is being treated as a serious violation of the Arms Act and public safety norms.
The incident triggered a political row, with opposition leaders maintaining that the administration has failed to maintain law and order. BJP spokesperson Rakesh Jamwal stated that the event was a reflection of ineffective governance, particularly regarding the state’s inability to enforce judicial bans on celebratory firing. He further described the attempt to transport the victim’s body in a sand truck as an act that “shamed humanity.”
The district administration has since issued an appeal to the public to refrain from brandishing weapons at religious gatherings. A spokesperson for the administration stated that the magisterial inquiry would fix responsibility for the lapses and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence of such accidents. While the situation in Rohru remains under control, local leaders have demanded stricter security protocols for large religious events.
