Punjab driver killed in argument over parking in Manali

MANDI: A heated dispute over parking on the Kullu-Manali left bank road escalated into violence, resulting in the death of a driver from Punjab.

The tragic incident occurred on Saturday night in Shaminalla where the police have since registered a case and begun a thorough investigation.

The suspect fled the scene and remains at large.

According to local sources, the incident occurred around 9 pm in the Jagatsukh panchayat area of Manali.

Two drivers from Punjab, having brought tourists to the area, parked their vehicles by the roadside after dropping off passengers. The drivers then began drinking inside their cars.

A local resident named Gulshan approached the parked vehicles and confronted the drivers, leading to a heated argument.

The altercation escalated when one of the drivers slapped Gulshan. In response, Gulshan reportedly kicked the driver, causing him to lose his balance and fall approximately 20 feet onto a concrete ledge below.The fall proved fatal.

Manali DSP KD Sharma confirmed the details of the case. Baljeet Singh Mann (47), one of the drivers, reported to the police that his fellow driver, Baljinder Singh (41), was fatally injured in the altercation. Baljinder, son of Darshan Singh from Chandigarh’s Sector 14, succumbed to his injuries after the fall.

Following the incident, the accused fled the scene. The police have launched a manhunt to locate the accused. The DSP said the family of the deceased had been informed and the body had been sent to the Regional Hospital in Kullu for post-mortem examination.

The incident has left locals and visitors in shock, raising concerns about safety and the need for conflict resolution in the busy tourist region.

As the investigation proceeds, authorities are urging witnesses to come forward and assist in bringing justice to the victim and his family.

The case underscores the importance of vigilance and the quick escalation of seemingly minor disputes into deadly confrontations.

The Kullu-Manali area, known for its scenic beauty, has witnessed growing footfall, and officials are now calling for increased police presence to manage such incidents in the future.