JE found dead near Tissa, four suspects detained

A Junior Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department, posted in the Kalhel section in Churah subdivision of Chamba district, was found dead under suspicious circumstances on Thursday morning. The body of the deceased, identified as 36-year-old Naveen Kumar, a resident of Gand village, was discovered in the Sarela stream, around two kilometers from Chilli towards Tissa on the Chamba-Tissa road. Police have detained four suspects in the case.

Locals passing by noticed an unconscious man near the stream around 6:30 am, and immediately informed the Tissa police station. Teams from both Tissa police station and Nakrod police outpost, along with fire department personnel, reached the spot. Upon inspection, the body was confirmed to be that of the junior engineer.

As the news spread, Naveen Kumar’s family and locals raised serious concerns, alleging foul play and suspicion of murder. They pointed out that the deceased had been seen the previous night with four individuals.

Later in the day, the angered family members of Kumar and local residents staged a protest on the Chamba-Tissa road at Sarela. Beginning around 12 noon, the protesters blocked the highway until 4 pm, bringing all traffic. As the situation intensified, all four suspects were taken into custody, which helped defuse the protest. The police have launched a detailed investigation into the incident.