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Youth Congress leader shot dead in Himachal’s Una; colleagues attack assailants, injure 2

Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur criticised the state government over the ‘deteriorating law and order situation’ in Himachal Pradesh.

3 min readShimlaUpdated: Nov 20, 2025 04:10 PM IST

The victim has been identified as Ashu Puri, 35. (Source: Special Arrangement)

A Youth Congress activist was shot dead moments after he stepped out of a birthday party at a private hotel in Lalsingi village on the outskirts of Himachal Pradesh’s Una district on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday.

The victim has been identified as Ashu Puri, 35.

The police have registered a case of murder and invoked sections of the Arms Act against three suspects. According to officials, the assailants fired more than two rounds, and two bullets struck Puri. A forensic team seized two empty bullet shells from the spot.

The accused have been identified as Gurjeet Mann, Parminder Singh, and Purjinder Singh, all residents of Una district. The police said that two of the suspects, Parminder Singh and Mann, also sustained severe injuries after Puri’s colleagues attacked them with sharp-edged weapons in retaliation.

They were first taken to a local government hospital and later referred to PGIMER, Chandigarh, where their condition is stated to be stable.

“The assailants are also workers of the Congress. The exact motive behind the crime is yet to be established. The incident took place in the parking area of Raizada Hotel in Lalsingi village. The hotel belongs to a senior Congress leader,” said a police officer.

“We have obtained CCTV footage from the premises. Preliminary investigation suggests that two separate birthday parties were being held at the hotel last night. The victim, his colleagues, and the assailants came out after attending their respective parties and clashed in the parking lot around 12.15 am,” the officer added.

“We have registered a case under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act against the three suspects. Forensic examination of the crime scene is underway. The investigation is ongoing,” Gaurav Bhardwaj, Station House Officer (SHO), Una (Sadar) Police Station, told The Indian Express.

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Puri, a resident of Santokhgarh and engaged in the mining business, is survived by his wife, parents and one younger brother.

A senior Congress leader said, “The victim Ashu Puri was also a former Youth Congress President of Una assembly.”

Sources said the FIR was registered based on the statement of Akash, a colleague of the victim. He told the police that as they reached the parking lot and were about to board their vehicles, the assailants began abusing and intimidating them. A verbal altercation followed, after which the assailants opened fire on Puri, killing him on the spot.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur criticised the state government over the “deteriorating law and order situation” in Himachal Pradesh.

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“The gruesome late-night murder of a youth exposes the worsening security environment in the state. In July this year, unknown assailants shot dead a local man, Rakesh alias Gaggi, in broad daylight in Una district. The common citizen is increasingly anxious about their safety,” he said.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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