The accused have been identified as Rajat Sohta (28) and Amit alias Rohit Bhapta (32), while the deceased has been identified as Ritika (26).
According to police, the incident took place on Sunday night when villagers were celebrating the consecration ceremony with traditional dance. Ritika, who was participating in the festivities, was hit by a bullet allegedly fired by the accused during celebratory firing. She died on the spot. The accused fled as locals began searching for them.
On receiving information, a police team from Chirgaon reached the spot, recovered the body and sent it to Civil Hospital, Rohru, for post-mortem. The weapon used in the incident was seized and eyewitnesses were examined as part of the investigation. The accused were later taken into custody and formally arrested.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also expressed grief over the incident. He sought details over the phone and directed the district administration to gather information and take strict action against those responsible. The CM extended his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty for the peace of the departed soul and the strength for the family to bear this irreparable loss.Confirming the incident, Shimla Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gaurav Singh said a case has been registered under Section 103(1) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 25 of the Arms Act at Chirgaon police station. Further investigation is underway.
The incident triggered protests by local residents, who also objected to the manner in which the body was transported from the hospital in a pickup vehicle. The situation was later brought under control by the police.
In response, the district administration has imposed a complete ban on carrying firearms or any other weapons during religious events.
Rohru Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Dharmesh Ramotra said clear instructions had been issued in a prior coordination meeting prohibiting the use of weapons during the ceremony. “Despite this, weapons were carried to the event, which led to this unfortunate incident,” he said.
He appealed to the public to refrain from carrying or using weapons during religious and social gatherings to ensure safety and prevent such incidents. He also directed the police to immediately confiscate weapons and initiate cancellation of licences in case of violations.
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