Ex-CM Dhumal's former driver shoots himself

Shanti Swaroop (64), former driver of ex-Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, was found dead under mysterious circumstances at his residence in Raison Bihal at Kullu on Monday.

Preliminary investigations suggest he may have died by suicide, allegedly shooting himself with a pistol.

According to police, the incident occurred around 9.30 am when Swaroop reportedly shot himself in the head. Upon receiving the alert, a police team reached the spot and initiated an inquest.

Kullu SP Karthikeyan Gokulachandran said Swaroop’s wife, Beena Devi, had informed the police of the gunshot. “The deceased’s wife told that he shot himself in the head with a pistol. We are investigating the matter from all possible angles and recording statements of family members," the SP said.

Swaroop had retired from the Secretariat in 2020 and was living with his family in Kullu. His sudden death has raised questions about the circumstances leading up to the incident. Investigators are exploring whether psychological stress or other underlying issues may have played a role.

Devi recounted that she discovered her husband’s body when she went to call him for breakfast. “In the morning, I heard a loud sound, but assumed it as children bursting crackers nearby. When I entered his room, I found him lying in a pool of blood. I immediately called the police and our neighbours for help,” she said.

The police have seized the firearm and are conducting forensic examinations.

The authorities have not yet confirmed the presence of a suicide note.