TNR News Network
Kullu: A youth was found d*ead near a hotel in Kullu district’s Aut area, with preliminary investigation suggesting that extreme cold may have caused his d*eath as Himachal Pradesh continues to battle one of the harshest cold spells of the season.
The police said the body of an unidentified youth was recovered near a hotel at Aut market. No identity documents were found on him. Initial assessment points to d*eath due to exposure to severe cold. The body has been sent to the Regional Hospital in Mandi for post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death. Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma confirmed the recovery, while ASI Rajan Kumar said further investigation is underway.
Cold wave tightens grip across Himachal
The cold wave has intensified across the state, with biting temperatures being recorded in most regions. Snowfall on the higher reaches of Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti over the past day has further increased the chill.
At least 20 locations in Himachal have reported minimum temperatures below 5°C, with five stations dipping below the freezing point. Even Solan recorded sub-zero temperatures, while night temperatures in Shimla continue to slide.
Lahaul-Spiti’s Tabo emerged as the coldest place in the state, with the mercury plunging to -10.2°C. Kukumseri recorded a minimum of -6.7°C, while Kalpa registered -4.2°C. In Kinnaur, the iconic Nako Lake froze completely, drawing tourists who were seen enjoying skating on its icy surface.
Snowfall in high hills, fog disrupts plains
Several high-altitude areas witnessed fresh snowfall. Chamba’s Pangi region, including Killar and surrounding upper villages such as Chasak, Sural, Parmar Bhatori and Hudan, received significant snow accumulation. Snowfall was also reported around Rohtang Pass, Koksar, Sissu and near the Atal Tunnel Rohtang late in the evening. Higher reaches of the Manikaran valley in Kullu district also saw fresh snow.
Meanwhile, dense fog in the plains affected transport services. The Vande Bharat Express from New Delhi reached Una about half an hour late on Sunday due to poor visibility. Foggy conditions were reported in Kala Amb, Paonta Sahib, Nahan, Kangra district and Sundernagar, while Mandi recorded moderate fog during the morning hours.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, light rain or snowfall is likely at isolated high-altitude locations. Thereafter, weather is expected to remain largely clear across the state till January 11. While there will be no major change in minimum temperatures over the next 24 hours, the mercury is likely to drop gradually by 2-3°C over the following three to four days. Maximum temperatures may rise slightly in lower and mid-hill areas, even as cold conditions persist in higher reaches.
