A heated argument over vehicle overtaking among youths returning from the Chhinj Mela in Chamba escalated into a fatal altercation, resulting in the death of 22-year-old Nikhil from Mahla in Nurpur (Kangra).
Nikhil succumbed to his injuries during treatment at a hospital in Amritsar. The police have registered a murder case and detained four youths for questioning.
The detained individuals include Anku from Kaman, Atul from Chuwari, Vinay from Kaman and a minor whose identity has been withheld. Another suspect, Vishal from Lahdi, remains at large and the police have launched a manhunt to arrest him.
According to police reports, Nikhil and his four friends had attended the Chuwari Chhinj Mela. While returning on Sunday evening, an argument ensued near a petrol pump over vehicle overtaking. The confrontation intensified and led to a physical altercation. Bystanders intervened and temporarily diffused the situation, sending both parties on their way.
However, tensions flared up again at Jataroon on the Chuwari-Pathankot road, leading to another confrontation. During this scuffle, one youth reportedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Nikhil in the chest, leaving him severely injured. The assailants fled the scene immediately.
Nikhil’s friends rushed him to Nurpur hospital, but his condition necessitated further treatment, leading his family to transfer him to Amritsar. Despite medical efforts, Nikhil died at the hospital.
Chamba SP Abhishek Yadav confirmed the arrested of four youths on charges of murder. “We have detained four individuals and are searching for the fifth suspect. The investigation is ongoing,” Yadav said.
