Porters, contractor booked after pilgrim dies during Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra

The police have registered a case against porters and a contractor after the tragic death of a pilgrim during the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra in the Nirmand subdivision of Kullu district. The action follows a complaint lodged by Vishal Kanaujia, a resident of Chandigarh, who alleged gross negligence and inhumane treatment by porters hired to evacuate his cousin.

According to the complaint, Vishal’s cousin Abhay (33) began the challenging spiritual trek on July 12 but fell gravely ill at Parbati Bagh, a high-altitude point along the pilgrimage route. Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local volunteers managed to evacuate him to Bhimdwari. After a medical examination, doctors strongly advised immediate hospitalisation.

Vishal sought help from a porter deployed by the administration to transport Abhay to Jaon village, the nearest motorable location. The porter allegedly demanded an exorbitant Rs 60,000, later reduced to Rs 40,000, to carry out the task. However, the situation turned dire during the descent.

Upon reaching Singhgad, the porters reportedly switched off their phones and refused to continue, leaving Abhay lying on the ground in the rain for nearly two hours. Despite his repeated pleas for help, the porter allegedly demanded additional money and continued delaying the journey. When Abhay’s condition worsened and he began bleeding from the nose, assistance was still withheld. Even after receiving extra payment, the porter abandoned him and allegedly issued threats.

On July 15, Abhay succumbed before reaching proper medical care. Vishal has held the porters and the contractor directly responsible, claiming that their delay and profiteering cost his cousin’s life. He has demanded strict action to ensure accountability.

The complaint was forwarded to the Nirmand police station via the office of the Superintendent of Police. Kullu ASP Sanjeev Chauhan confirmed that a case has been registered under Sections 106 and 125(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and investigations are ongoing. Earlier, Vishal had also approached the Nirmand SDM, prompting a preliminary inquiry.

The incident has reignited public concern over the regulation of porter services during high-risk pilgrimages. Activists and community leaders have urged authorities to introduce tighter oversight, fair pricing and compassionate treatment for pilgrims in distress. They stressed that the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra, a sacred journey of faith, must not be marred by negligence

and exploitation.