Shimla, April 28: The Shimla district administration has launched a high-level magisterial inquiry into the death of a 26-year-old woman who was killed by celebratory gunfire during a religious ceremony on Sunday night. The victim, identified as Ritika, a mother of two from Andhra village, was struck by a bullet during a “gun salute” ritual at the Shalu Maharaj temple in the Rohru sub-division.
Shimla Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh stated that two individuals, Rajat Sohta and Amit, have been arrested in connection with the incident. Police have seized a 12-bore weapon and registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act. “The weapon has been seized and an investigation is underway to verify its licensing,” Singh affirmed, adding that the suspects had initially fled the scene following the tragedy.
The incident has sparked widespread anger, leading to a protest by local residents outside the Rohru hospital on Monday. Villagers alleged a significant lapse in administrative support, maintaining that they were initially denied an ambulance to transport the body to Shimla for a forensic examination. Protesters noted that officials had attempted to use a sand-filled pickup truck for the purpose, which sparked a confrontation before an ambulance was eventually provided.
Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap has entrusted the probe to Additional District Magistrate Pankaj Sharma, with a mandate to submit a report within seven days. Officials stated that the inquiry will examine potential negligence by the temple committee and the enforcement of the state’s ban on celebratory firing.
