A sheep herder was allegedly axed to death by his helper in the Guga Malhot area of Bilaspur district, police said on Saturday.
Police said the accused repeatedly struck the victim on his neck with an axe on Friday night. After committing the crime, he fled from the spot and is currently absconding.
The brutal killing has created an atmosphere of fear among residents in the area. The deceased is believed to be a 45-year-old man from Kullu district. He had been living temporarily in the forests of Malhot since December along with two helpers while tending to his flock.
According to police, a heated argument broke out between the sheep herder and one of his helpers, a resident of Palampur in Kangra district, over a financial dispute. The identity of the accused has not been made public so far.
Police said that following the argument, the accused allegedly attacked the sheep herder with an axe while he was sleeping at night. He struck multiple blows, killing him on the spot, and then escaped through the nearby forest.
The other helper who was present there informed the police about the incident. After receiving the information, a team from Shah Talai Police Station reached the spot and inspected the crime scene. A forensic team was also called to the site and collected important evidence to assist the investigation. The body of the deceased was sent to AIIMS Bilaspur for a post-mortem examination.
Bilaspur Superintendent of Police Sandeep Dhawal said that a murder case has been registered. He added that the accused has been identified and special police teams are carrying out raids at possible hideouts to arrest him.
Also read: Mass copying at Kangra exam centre; teacher suspended
Follow us
