Tragic Death of Former Jharkhand CM's Grandson in Manali
Kullu: In a heartbreaking incident, Veer Soren, the 19-year-old grandson of former Jharkhand chief minister Champai Soren and son of Babulal Soren, passed away after falling critically ill during a trip to Manali on Tuesday. The local police have confirmed that they have ruled out any foul play in the untimely death, bringing some clarity to the tragic circumstances surrounding the young man's demise.
Family Declines Post-Mortem as Police Investigate
Although Champai Soren arrived in Manali on Wednesday to be with his grieving family, they made the difficult decision not to give consent for a post-mortem examination. This choice was based on their belief that nothing suspicious had occurred. "The family members told police they did not find anything suspicious in the death; therefore, a post-mortem was not conducted. We have handed over the body to the family," stated Manali Deputy Superintendent of Police K D Sharma in an official statement.
DSP Sharma further elaborated that preliminary investigations point toward high-altitude sickness as the likely cause of death. Veer and his group of friends had been exploring high-elevation areas around Manali, which are known to pose health risks to those unaccustomed to such altitudes.
Detailed Account of the Final Hours
Veer Soren arrived in the picturesque hill station on February 22 and was staying at a homestay in Simsa. According to a police statement provided by his friend, Agnay Verma from Uttar Pradesh, the group embarked on an excursion to Solang Valley and Sethan village on February 23. These locations are situated at approximately 3,000 metres along the challenging Hamta Pass route, exposing them to significant altitude changes.
The following day, February 24, Veer began feeling unwell and decided to remain in his room while his friends went for a walk around 12:30 pm. Upon their return, they found Veer sleeping. When awakened, he complained of a severe and debilitating headache. In an attempt to alleviate his discomfort, his friends ordered medication through a grocery delivery app. However, after taking the medicine, Veer went back to sleep.
Tragically, around 2:30 pm, his friends heard a disturbing thud and discovered Veer unconscious on the floor with foam forming around his mouth. They immediately rushed him to the civil hospital in Manali, where doctors administered CPR in a desperate attempt to save his life. Despite their efforts, he was declared dead upon arrival.
Police Findings and Official Statements
A police officer involved in the investigation reported, "The investigating officer inspected the body and took photographs. No external injury marks were found," reinforcing the conclusion that no physical altercation or accident had occurred. The absence of visible injuries aligns with the suspicion of a medical emergency related to altitude.
In a poignant social media post on Wednesday, Champai Soren expressed the family's profound grief, writing, "Veer's death has shattered our family. We inform with deep sorrow that our beloved grandson passed away untimely on Feb 24, 2026. After his health suddenly deteriorated in Manali, he was taken to the hospital, but fate had something else in store." The emotional message highlights the sudden and devastating nature of the loss.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also extended his condolences, describing Veer's death as an "irreparable loss" to the family. His statement underscores the widespread sympathy and support being offered during this difficult time.
The incident serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers associated with high-altitude travel, especially for visitors who may not be adequately prepared or acclimatized. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of taking necessary precautions when exploring such regions to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
