Mandi (Munish Sood)
In a heart-wrenching incident near Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla, a woman and her granddaughter lost their lives after being hit by stones during a land-levelling exercise being undertaken through a JCB machine.
The victims have been identified as 70-year-old Geeta Devi and 21-year-old Varsha, residents of Jholu village under Naldehra panchayat. The mishap happened near the native village of the victims. The family members are devastated and suspect alleged negligence on the part of the JCB driver.
Varsha was pursuing her BCom final year at RKMV College in Shimla. The untimely demise of the duo has left the entire village and their family in deep shock and grief.
Stones dislodged during levelling of field
The tragic incident occurred around 1 pm on Sunday when the duo had gone out to cut grass in their fields. At the same time, a JCB machine was being used to level a field in the vicinity.
During the operation, several large stones dislodged from the hillside and rolled down, hitting Geeta Devi and Varsha. Both died on the spot.
Despite the villagers raising alarm and shouting warnings, the two could not escape in time. Varsha’s body was found stuck in bushes near a stream and it took significant effort to recover it.
Family devastated due to deaths
The loss has devastated the family, leaving them shattered by the sudden demise of their loved ones. Naldehra panchayat Pradhan Sushma Kashyap, who reached the site immediately upon hearing the news, expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
“This is a tragic loss for the family and the community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the grieving family,” she said.
Shimla Additional SP Ratan Singh Negi confirmed the incident, stating, “The deaths were caused by stones dislodged during the JCB operation. An investigation is underway. Legal action will be taken against those found responsible for negligence.”
