MANDI: A road accident on the Kullu-Manali National Highway near Patlikuhal in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh claimed the life of a 37-year-old shepherd and left a trail of devastation among his herd.
According to police reports, Mahinder Singh, son of Mangal Singh and a resident of Kaldi village in Mandi district, was walking along the roadside with his goats when a speeding car ran over him and his animals. He died on the spot. The vehicle also killed around 10 goats and injured two others.
Mahinder along with fellow shepherds Narottam Ram, Jagat Ram and Hirdu Ram had set out for Kanyal with their herds after spending the night in Patlikuhal. The group resumed their journey around 2 am and reached the Vran area near Bindu Dhank at approximately 4.30 am when the tragedy struck.
The vehicle, bearing registration number HP 01B-5001, was reportedly speeding from the Kullu direction when it lost control and first mowed down the goats before hitting Mahinder, who was walking ahead.
Local residents immediately alerted the authorities. A police team arrived at the scene, took possession of the body and sent it for post-mortem.
The driver of the vehicle has been identified as Lalit Kumar of Galu village under Baloh post office in Mandi. A case has been registered and an investigation is underway.
Munish Sood
