A 24-year-old Junior Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department, Labh Singh Guleria, died at AIIMS-Bilaspur on Sunday morning after being brutally assaulted by unidentified assailants in Kullu. The attack has sent shockwaves through the region, prompting a massive police manhunt for the culprits.
The Incident
According to police officials, Guleria was found in a critical condition early Saturday morning, lying face-down inside a vegetable vendor’s kiosk near his office. He was immediately rushed to the Regional Hospital in Kullu, where doctors, assessing the severity of his injuries, referred him to AIIMS-Bilaspur. Despite being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and receiving medical attention, Guleria succumbed to his injuries at around 6 am on Sunday, less than 24 hours after being discovered.
Labh Singh Guleria, 24, had been working as a Junior Engineer with the Jal Shakti Department. The attack occurred on Friday evening when he was returning home from duty. His wife, Kanta Devi, reported that her husband called her around 11 pm that night, mentioning an incident near Pirdi bridge and informing her that he was on his way home. However, when he did not arrive, family members began searching for him.
Family’s Account
During the search, the family located Guleria’s scooter parked near the Rotary Eye Hospital in Gandhinagar. Shortly after, they found him lying seriously injured near a vegetable vendor’s kiosk, approximately 50 metres from his office. He was rushed to the hospital but could not be saved.
Veer Singh Guleria, the victim’s nephew, described the severity of the assault: “He had suffered severe injuries to his head and mouth. He was admitted to the ICU at AIIMS-Bilaspur but could not survive.” The family has lodged a formal complaint with the police, alleging that Guleria was attacked by unknown persons on his way home.
Police Investigation
Kullu Superintendent of Police Madan Lal Kaushal confirmed that a case has been registered and investigations are underway from multiple angles. “We are examining CCTV footage from the area and gathering intelligence to identify the attackers. The accused will be arrested soon,” SP Kaushal said. He also appealed to the public to share any information that could help solve the case.
Police are treating the case with urgency, given the brutal nature of the assault. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but investigators are exploring all possibilities, including personal enmity or professional disputes. The victim’s colleagues and local residents have expressed outrage and demanded quick justice.
Impact and Reactions
The death of the young engineer has sparked widespread grief and anger in the community. Jal Shakti Department officials have expressed condolences and called for a thorough investigation. Several local leaders have also urged the administration to ensure the safety of government employees, especially those working in remote areas.
“This is a tragic loss. Labh Singh was a dedicated employee. We demand that the culprits be brought to justice at the earliest,” said a colleague who did not wish to be named. The incident highlights the vulnerability of government personnel in rural districts.
Police have increased patrols in the area and are following up on leads. They have also collected forensic evidence from the scene. The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Authorities have assured the family of all possible support.
Timeline of Events
According to the complaint filed by Kanta Devi, the incident unfolded late Friday evening. Guleria had left his office around 9 pm and was returning home on his scooter. He called his wife at 11 pm, saying something had happened near Pirdi bridge but he was fine and on his way. When he failed to reach home within an hour, the family grew worried and started searching. They found his scooter parked near the Rotary Eye Hospital around midnight, and then discovered him unconscious near the kiosk nearby.
The immediate medical response included first aid at the scene before transport to Regional Hospital Kullu. Doctors noted severe head trauma and possible internal injuries. Due to the critical condition, he was transferred to AIIMS-Bilaspur, a tertiary care centre, where he was placed on ventilator support. Despite efforts, he succumbed on Sunday morning.
Community Outrage
News of the death spread quickly, drawing large crowds to the hospital and police station. Local residents held a protest demanding immediate arrest of the attackers. “Our youth are not safe anymore. The administration must act fast,” said a local shopkeeper. The Kullu district administration has assured strict action.
Police Efforts
SP Madan Lal Kaushal stated that a special investigation team has been formed. “We are analyzing CCTV footage from nearby establishments and conducting forensic examination. We have also circulated photographs of the victim’s scooter and are appealing for witnesses. We are confident of cracking the case soon,” he said.
The police have also detained a few suspects for questioning but no arrests have been made yet. The investigation is focusing on identifying any known associates or recent confrontations involving the victim. Guleria had been working in the area for about two years and had no known enemies, according to family.
Official Reaction
The Jal Shakti Department expressed deep sorrow over the loss. The department’s chief engineer visited the family and offered condolences. “We have lost a promising young engineer. We will provide all necessary support to the family,” he said.
The state government has also taken note, with senior officials monitoring the investigation. The incident has raised questions about the safety of government employees, particularly in remote hill areas where night travel can be risky. Some have called for better security measures, including increased police patrolling and installation of more CCTV cameras along key routes.
The family is awaiting the post-mortem report. Meanwhile, the police have requested anyone with information to contact the Kullu police control room. The case has been registered under appropriate sections of the law, and the investigation is ongoing.
