A trip to the hills turned tragic after 19-year-old Veer Soren, grandson of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren, died in Manali under circumstances police have termed suspicious.
Veer had travelled to Manali with five friends from Panipat for a short vacation. The group was staying in the Simsa area and had visited nearby tourist spots such as Solang and Sethan in the days leading up to the incident.
Complained of severe headache
According to preliminary information, Veer returned to the homestay late on February 23. Around 12.30 am, when his friends tried to wake him, he reportedly complained of a severe headache. Medicines were ordered online, which he consumed before going back to sleep.
The next afternoon, at about 2 pm, his friends heard a loud sound from inside the room. When they entered, they found him lying on the floor next to the bed. He was rushed to Civil Hospital Manali in a private vehicle.
Sources said foam was seen coming out of his mouth before he reached the hospital. Doctors performed CPR for a considerable time but could not revive him and declared him dead.
Police initiate inquiry
Police said they received information from the hospital that a youth had been brought dead. Deputy Superintendent of Police K D Sharma said no visible external injury marks were found on the body during initial examination.
“The family members have stated that they do not suspect any foul play and declined a post-mortem,” Sharma said, adding that the body was later handed over to the family.
He noted that while the exact cause of death remains unclear, the possibility of high-altitude sickness or hypoxemia cannot be ruled out.
Superintendent of Police Kullu, Madan Lal Kaushal, told ANI that Veer had suddenly fallen ill while on a visit with friends and was declared dead after being admitted to hospital. He confirmed that relatives had reached Manali and that legal formalities were being completed.
Body flown to Delhi
On Wednesday morning, family members arrived in Manali. The body was later taken to Bhuntar airport and flown to Delhi.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and that all aspects are being examined to ascertain the exact cause of death.
Leaders express condolences
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed shock and grief over the incident, saying he was deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Veer Soren and extended his sympathies to the bereaved family.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also condoled the death and conveyed his condolences to the family.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a brief holiday in the hills.