Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
What began as a routine argument over a parking space in the bustling tourist hub of Kasol quickly descended into chaos, with a tourist allegedly opening fire on a local youth, leaving him injured and triggering panic in the crowded market area.
The dramatic incident, which has since gone viral on social media, unfolded in full public view as tourists, shopkeepers and local residents watched a parking dispute spiral into violence. Videos circulating online purportedly show an armed tourist openly waving a pistol on the street moments after the firing, sending shockwaves through one of Himachal Pradesh’s most popular tourist destinations.
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Police have arrested four accused in connection with the incident and seized the pistol allegedly used in the firing, along with the vehicle in which the suspects were travelling.
PARKING DISPUTE TURNS UGLY
According to police, the trouble began over vehicle parking in Kasol market.
What started as a verbal exchange between a group of tourists and local youths soon escalated into a confrontation. The argument quickly turned into a physical altercation as tempers flared in the busy market area.
Amid the clash, one of the tourists allegedly pulled out a pistol and fired at a local youth.
The gunshot triggered panic across the market, with people rushing for safety as the situation spun out of control.
The injured youth was immediately taken to hospital, where he is undergoing treatment.
MARKET DESCENDS INTO PANIC
Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion and fear following the firing.
The sound of the gunshot sent tourists, local residents and traders scrambling for cover. Several people rushed to help the injured youth while others attempted to calm the situation.
The incident unfolded in one of Himachal Pradesh’s busiest tourist destinations, amplifying concerns among visitors and local business owners.
Videos from the scene show crowds gathering in the market amid shouting, commotion and confusion as people tried to understand what had happened.
TOURIST SEEN WAVING PISTOL IN VIRAL VIDEO
One of the most striking aspects of the incident emerged through videos that quickly spread across social media.
The footage purportedly shows a tourist wearing a white shirt openly walking through the market while brandishing a pistol.
Witnesses claimed he continued waving the weapon in public for some time, creating fear among people gathered in the area.
The visuals show the armed man standing in the middle of the road with the pistol in hand while onlookers maintain their distance.
According to eyewitnesses, his companions eventually intervened and attempted to pull him away from the scene before leaving the area.
The videos have since gone viral, drawing widespread attention and outrage.
POLICE SWING INTO ACTION
Police launched a swift operation after receiving information about the firing.
Acting quickly, officers tracked down those allegedly involved in the incident and arrested four accused.
The pistol allegedly used in the firing was recovered during the operation. Police also seized the vehicle linked to the accused.
The rapid arrests prevented the suspects from leaving the area and enabled investigators to begin questioning them soon after the incident.
CASE REGISTERED, PROBE UNDERWAY
Kullu Superintendent of Police Madan Lal Kaushal confirmed that the incident stemmed from a dispute over parking in Kasol.
He said police acted promptly and arrested four accused connected to the case.
The officer confirmed that the weapon and vehicle used by the accused had been seized.
A case has been registered under the relevant legal provisions and an investigation is underway.
Kaushal made it clear that such incidents would not be tolerated in Himachal Pradesh.
He said any attempt to disturb law and order in Dev Bhoomi would be dealt with strictly.
The injured youth continues to receive medical treatment, while investigators are examining every aspect of the incident.
FOCUS ON WEAPON AND SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
Investigators are analysing video footage, questioning witnesses and reconstructing the sequence of events that led to the firing.
Police are also expected to examine the legal status of the weapon and determine whether additional offences can be invoked against the accused.
The incident has once again raised concerns about violent confrontations in tourist destinations and how seemingly minor disputes can rapidly escalate into serious criminal cases.
For now, the viral videos, the image of a tourist allegedly waving a pistol in the middle of a crowded market and the gunshot that left a local youth injured have turned Kasol into the centre of attention across Himachal Pradesh.
– Ends
With inputs from Manminder Arora
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
