Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal High Court Orders Transfer of Kullu Officials Over Alleged Role in Rave Party Case
In a significant development, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered the transfer of three senior officials from Kullu district, holding them accountable for alleged administrative failures linked to large-scale rave parties in the Parvati Valley region.
In a significant development, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered the transfer of three senior officials from Kullu district, holding them accountable for alleged administrative failures linked to large-scale rave parties in the Parvati Valley region.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi directed the state government to transfer the Kullu Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and Sub-Divisional Magistrate within one week. The court has also ordered departmental proceedings against the officers.
The detailed order, pronounced on June 24 and made public on Saturday, further directed the registration of an FIR and the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by an officer not below the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) to investigate the matter.
Court Flags Administrative Failure
The High Court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning rave parties and rising drug abuse in Kullu and Mandi districts.
During the hearing, the Bench observed that the district administration had failed to maintain public order despite receiving prior intelligence inputs indicating the possibility of drug consumption, trafficking, and other unlawful activities during such events.
According to the court’s observations, authorities allegedly permitted the organisation of large-scale parties even after police warnings, raising concerns over lapses in monitoring and enforcement.
Kasol Event Under Scanner
The case revolves around an event held at Green Forest-I and Green Forest-II near Grahan village in Kasol between June 7 and June 11. Tickets were reportedly sold for the gathering, which attracted visitors from different regions.
A report submitted by the District Legal Services Authority stated that two tourists were arrested during the event for allegedly possessing cocaine and LSD.
The report also mentioned the death of a Russian national, identified as Caria Kuzminykh, who was performing as a DJ at the event. Authorities suspect a possible drug overdose, and a post-mortem examination was recommended to determine the exact cause of death.
SIT to Examine Drug and Security Concerns
With the constitution of a high-level SIT, investigators are expected to examine whether there were violations related to narcotics, public safety, and event permissions.
The High Court’s intervention highlights growing concerns over drug abuse and unregulated parties in Himachal Pradesh’s popular tourist destinations, particularly the Parvati Valley, which has frequently been under scrutiny for similar incidents.
The investigation is likely to shed light on administrative accountability and the measures required to prevent such events from posing risks to public safety in the future.
