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Haryana Cop Turned Drug Peddler Arrested with 157 Grams of Chitta in Solan, Police- Smugglers Nexus Exposed

Shimla/Solan: In a shocking exposure of uniformed crime, a serving head constable of Haryana Police has been arrested along with an accomplice for smuggling 157 grams of chitta (heroin derivative) in Himachal Pradesh.

The arrest has rattled the local police force and unveiled a chilling modus operandi — using the khaki uniform as a shield to dodge security checkpoints and smuggle narcotics into the hill state.

The accused, identified as Pradeep Kumar, son of Mange Ram from Kalayat in Kaithal, Haryana, and his accomplice Mohit, son of Sushil Kumar, also from Kaithal, were arrested by Solan police near the double wall area following a tip-off.

The two were reportedly frequent suppliers of chitta to Shimla district, operating freely and fearlessly under the guise of law enforcement.

Shockingly, Pradeep Kumar, despite being a head constable himself, managed to cross multiple police checkpoints — including the crucial entry point at Parwanoo, without raising suspicion.

His strategy was simple yet brazen: don the police uniform to avoid scrutiny while ferrying the deadly contraband.

The interrogation revealed that the duo had initially travelled to Narkanda in Shimla district to offload the chitta.

However, failing to strike a profitable deal — with rates reportedly hovering around ₹6,000 per gram — they rerouted to Solan, hoping for better prospects.

Their gamble failed, as Solan police, acting swiftly on intelligence inputs, intercepted and apprehended them before they could peddle the drugs.

"The arrested head constable had been active in smuggling chitta for quite some time, primarily targeting the Shimla circuit. He cleverly used his uniform to pass through checkpoints without suspicion. We are probing their criminal history, and several more arrests are likely," the police official.

Both accused have been produced in court and are currently under a five-day police remand for further interrogation.

Sources suggest that the racket might have deeper links, potentially involving more insiders and suppliers from Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

This arrest not only exposes the vulnerability of state borders to drug smuggling but also raises serious concerns about insider involvement within the law enforcement agencies.

As police continue to dig deeper, a larger network of narcotics trafficking could soon unravel.

With Himachal Pradesh increasingly becoming a target for drug traffickers, especially in tourist hotspots like Shimla and Solan, this case has sent ripples across the state, prompting demands for stricter vigilance at borders and a zero-tolerance policy against drug mafias — no matter the uniform.

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HP Power Sector: HPSEBL Employees in HPPCL Get April 30 as Deadline

HP Power Sector: Financial Troubles Linger as CM Vows to Strengthen HPSEBL

Shimla, April 7 — Even as the Himachal Pradesh government pushes for reforms in the power sector, the financial woes of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) continue to cast a long shadow.

In a high-level review meeting of the Energy Department chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today, the pending arrears — primarily accrued from state-sponsored power subsidies — remained unaddressed.

Employees of HPSEBL, currently on deputation with the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) and the Directorate of Energy, have now been given a choice: either opt for permanent absorption in their present organizations or return to HPSEBL. The deadline for this decision has been set for April 30.

Despite no major restructuring announcements for the energy sector following the government's recent decision to reclaim two projects from SJVN and one from NHPC, the Chief Minister reiterated the state’s commitment to bolstering HPSEBL.

“The state government will provide all possible support to ensure better services for the people,” Sukhu assured.

However, HPSEBL engineers argue that the government’s moves amount to mere internal restructuring, not genuine reforms.

"There are no real reforms happening — it's just shuffling within the departments," they contend, pointing out that critical policy overhauls and financial resolutions remain untouched.

Highlighting operational challenges, the CM emphasized large-scale recruitment to fill field vacancies, acknowledging the critical role of HPSEBL staff in maintaining electricity supply across the state. Vacant posts in the organization will be filled on priority to strengthen ground-level operations.

The performance of HPSEBL, however, remains under scrutiny. The 100 MW Uhl Stage-III project, plagued by a staggering 22-year delay and a costly penstock burst in May 2020, is finally ready for formal inauguration.

Thanks to an infusion of Rs 185 crore by the current government, the project has already generated 2.97 crore units of electricity. It is expected to yield Rs 200 crore annually, though the per-unit cost remains undisclosed.

The CM’s assurances come at a time when HPSEBL’s deepening financial crisis, coupled with unresolved subsidy arrears, continues to cloud the outlook for the state’s power sector.

News

HPPCL Engineer Vimal Negi’s Mysterious Death: Negi's Wife Seeks CBI Probe, SIT Questions Des Raj and Meena for Six Hours

Shimla: The investigation into the suspicious death of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) Chief Engineer Vimal Negi has intensified, with police questioning suspended Director Deshraj for over six hours on Sunday.

This marks the first time the SIT (Special Investigation Team) has interrogated Deshraj, who, along with then-Managing Director Harikesh Meena, has been accused by Negi’s family of harassing the late engineer.

Police sources confirmed that Deshraj was grilled from 2 PM to 8 PM, focusing heavily on a phone call he made to Vimal Negi on the morning of March 10 — the day Negi went missing.

Following this call, Negi left Shimla and headed towards Bilaspur, never to return alive.

Investigators are probing the contents of that crucial phone conversation. Deshraj was also questioned based on internal records seized from the corporation and statements collected from HPPCL employees and officials.

The family alleges that senior corporation officials subjected Negi to relentless harassment and coercion, pressuring him to partake in wrongful practices.

Acting on a complaint filed by Negi’s wife, Kiran Negi, police have booked Deshraj, Harikesh Meena, and other officials under charges of abetment to suicide.

A Special Investigation Team, led by Shimla SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, has been formed to carry out an in-depth probe.

“My husband did not drown — he was murdered,” Kiran Negi declared, making a chilling allegation that has sent shockwaves across the state’s power corridors.

“We trusted everyone, but justice eluded us at every step. Now, our only hope lies with the High Court,” she added, urging the judiciary to order a CBI investigation into her husband’s death.

As the SIT tightens its grip on the suspects, Harikesh Meena has also been summoned for questioning on Monday.

Meanwhile, all eyes are on the High Court, where the demand for a CBI probe is gaining momentum.

With serious accusations of institutional harassment and potential foul play, the case has turned into a litmus test for the state’s investigative machinery — and the family’s fight for justice is far from over.

News

Two Tourists Swept Away in Chandra River in Lahaul Valley

Keylong: In Lahaul-Spiti’s Sissu Sissu of Himachal Pradesh, two tourists were swept away in the Chandra River — the body of a young man from Jharkhand has been recovered, while the search for the second tourist is still ongoing.

News

Himachal Shaktipeeths Glow with Devotion as over 14.15 lakh Pilgrims Visite During Chaitr Navratras

Shimla, April 6, 2025:

The sacred valleys of Himachal Pradesh reverberated with chants of devotion as thousands of pilgrims flocked to the state’s revered Shaktipeeths during Chaitra Navratri 2025.

According to data released by the Police Headquarters, Shimla, an impressive 14,15,202 devotees visited the major temples between March 30 and April 5, seeking blessings from the divine mother goddesses.

The spirit of faith transcended hills and rivers, as temples witnessed a steady flow of worshippers from dawn till dusk.

Among the holy sites, Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Temple in Dehra recorded the highest footfall, welcoming 5,63,577 pilgrims, its eternal flame symbolizing unwavering devotion. Close behind, Shri Mata Bala Sundari Temple in Sirmaur drew 2,77,500 devotees, while Shri Naina Devi Temple in Bilaspur saw 2,52,700 pilgrims bow in reverence.

The power of the feminine divine was celebrated with equal fervour at other sacred sites.

Shri Chintpurni Mata Temple in Una saw 1,00,800 visitors, Shri Baglamukhi Mata in Dehra hosted 81,975, and Shri Chamunda Devi in Kangra witnessed 70,000 devotees. Even the historic Shri Brajeshwari Mata Temple in Kangra drew 68,650 faithful, all joining in collective prayers.

The festivities were not just spiritual, but also a logistical marvel. Despite the massive influx, smooth vehicular movement was reported, with 12,311 heavy motor vehicles (HMVs), 51,123 light motor vehicles (LMVs), and 40,413 two-wheelers making their way to the temple towns.

The police and district administrations worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims, maintaining a seamless flow of traffic and upholding the sanctity of the celebrations.

As the echoes of hymns and the fragrance of incense filled the air, Himachal Pradesh once again proved itself to be not just a land of natural beauty, but a timeless abode of faith.

The divine energies of the Shaktipeeths continue to draw hearts from across the nation, weaving together tradition, devotion, and the serenity of the Himalayas.

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