HC asks CBI to probe forest guard’s death

SHIMLA: In a major embarrassment to the state investigating agency, the High Court today entrusted the investigation of mysterious death of forest guard Hoshiyar Singh (22), whose body was found hanging from a tree in Garjub jungle near Seri Katandha in Mandi district, to the CBI.

A file photo of residents taking out a rally after the body of Hoshiyar Singh was found from a forest in Mandi.

Legal Correspondent

Shimla, September 13

In a major embarrassment to the state investigating agency, the High Court today entrusted the investigation of mysterious death of forest guard Hoshiyar Singh (22), whose body was found hanging from a tree in Garjub jungle near Seri Katandha in Mandi district, to the CBI.

While passing this order a division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Sandeep Sharma rejected the contention of the state government that investigation is almost complete and the matter be not transferred to the CBI.

It was on June 20 that the High Court took suo moto cognizance of the matter and after assurance given by the state government that the matter is being investigated in a fair and proper manner the case was listed for hearing from time to time.

The body of the forest guard was found hanging from a tree in Garjub jungle near Seri Katandha in Mandi district on June 9. The breakthrough was made following recovery of a suicide note during investigation and the search in which six accused were named.

Paras Ram, uncle of the deceased Hoshiyar Singh, registered an FIR in the Karsog police station on June 9, stating that his nephew, who was posted at Katanda, had been missing since June 5. A police team started searching for Hoshiyar Singh.

During the course of investigation, a suicide note was recovered and the police arrested six accused all named in the note. The Special Investigation Team was constituted by the police department to ensure that the investigation is carried out in an impartial manner.

Even on the last date of hearing before the High Court the Director General of Police informed the court through his affidavit that considering the fact that investigation is nearing completion, the matter be not transferred to the CBI.

Body found on June 9

The body of the forest guard was found hanging from a tree in Garjub jungle in Mandi district on June 9.
Paras Ram, uncle of the deceased Hoshiyar Singh, registered an FIR in the Karsog police station, stating that his nephew had been missing since June 5.
During investigation, a suicide note was recovered and the police arrested six accused all named in the note.