Hindu Mahasabha leader’s cellphone to be seized in Kullu Tehsildar manhandling case

The police have registered a case and ordered the seizure of Aman Sood’s mobile phone in connection with the alleged manhandling of Kullu Tehsildar Hari Singh Yadav during the Dasehra festival on October 2. Sood, a resident of Dunkhra village in the Parbati valley, is an office-bearer of the Hindu Mahasabha. He is accused of supporting the arrested youth involved in the incident. Videos and statements related to the incident have since gone viral on social media.

According to a notice issued by the Jari police post under Manikaran police station, an FIR has been registered against Sood for allegedly spreading “hatred and provocative speeches” via Facebook. The notice claims that his posts incited enmity based on religion, caste, race and place, potentially disrupting peace and harmony in the region.

The police had directed Sood to surrender his mobile phone for investigation. “As you have posted these hatred and provocative speeches through your mobile phone device, it is lawful for the police to take it into possession during the course of investigation,” the order stated, warning that non-compliance could lead to penal action.

In his video statements on social media, Sood called for a mutual resolution between the administration and local communities. “If the officer acknowledges his mistake and withdraws the case, we will do the same,” he said, expressing solidarity with the arrested youth, Rahul, and criticising what he described as “administrative overreach”.

In another video, he questioned the stance of the Kardar Sangh, who had earlier condemned the alleged manhandling of the Tehsildar. Meanwhile, Rahul, who was arrested earlier, claimed that he was being falsely implicated in the case. “I am being victimised. A mob had taken the officer to the spot. There was no manhandling as such,” he asserted. Kullu SP Karthikeyan Gokulachandran said seven individuals werer arrested in this connection and further probe was underway.