Youth murdered at winter carnival in Manali, one held

A youngster was murdered during winter carnival at Manu Rangshala in Manali on Wednesday evening.

The victim has been identified as Daksh, a resident of Vashishth village, Manali.

According to eyewitness, a scuffle broke out between two youngsters during the event. The altercation escalated quickly, with one of the accused attacking Daksh with a sharp-edged weapon.

The victim was rushed to the Manali Civil Hospital by passersby, where doctors declared him brought dead.

The police have launched a manhunt to track down the key accused and arrested one of his aide.

Kullu SP Karthikeyan Gokulachandran said the accused hit the victim with a sharp-edged weapon. The autopsy report is awaited, said, the SP, adding that probe was underway.

Expressing concern over the incident, the residents demanded fool-proof security arrangements at cultural events.

“This is an unfortunate incident. It casts a shadow over an event that is supposed to be a celebration of culture and tourism,” said Gautam Thakur, a local. “We urge the authorities to strengthen security to ensure that everyone can enjoy festival in harmony,” he said.