A mysterious death has been reported in the Shillai subdivision of Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh, where a 55-year-old man succumbed to what is suspected to be a gunshot wound. The incident’s unusual nature came to light eight hours after the man fell unconscious, when the motorcycle rider discovered a bullet lodged in his helmet.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the deceased, identified as Khajan Singh, a 55-year-old resident of Jamu Koti in the Renukaji area, was travelling with his cousin Ravinder, 31, on Tuesday morning. The two were returning to their homes after attending a village gathering in Koti Utro panchayat of the Shillai subdivision.
According to preliminary details, the incident occurred around 7 am on Tuesday. Ravinder, who was riding the motorcycle, noticed that Khajan Singh, who was the pillion rider, had suddenly become unconscious and subsequently fell from the bike. Neither Ravinder nor others who were travelling with them at the time realised that Khajan Singh had sustained a gunshot injury. Initially, the family members had suspected that he might have been hit by a stone.
Following the incident, Khajan Singh was promptly taken to a hospital in Paonta Sahib. From there, the doctors referred him to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh for further treatment. However, he tragically passed away due to his injuries en route to PGI. His body was later brought to the Medical College in Nahan.
The perplexing circumstances surrounding the death took a more intricate turn around 4 pm on Tuesday when Ravinder discovered a hole in his helmet. Upon closer inspection, he found a bullet embedded within it. Initial investigations by authorities suggest that the bullet may have first struck Khajan Singh’s head before passing through and entering Ravinder’s helmet, remarkably leaving the motorcycle rider unharmed.
A police team from Nahan was dispatched to the area near Aawat village, where the incident is believed to have occurred. They recorded Ravinder’s statement concerning the events of Tuesday morning around 6:15 pm.
Superintendent of Police Nishchint Singh Negi stated that the exact cause of Khajan Singh’s death and the precise circumstances leading to the incident would be definitively established following a post-mortem examination. He confirmed that a comprehensive investigation into the matter is currently underway.
Investigators are now focused on determining the precise location from where the bullet was fired and identifying the individual responsible for the shooting. Several possibilities are being explored, including whether the shot was an accidental discharge from a hunter’s firearm, an act stemming from personal enmity, or a different motive altogether. The forthcoming post-mortem report and the ongoing police inquiry are expected to shed light on the mystery and unravel the truth behind Khajan Singh’s untimely demise.
The Chenab Times News Desk
