Sunil Chadha

Una/Bilaspur: A troubling trend of violent crime is infiltrating the political landscape of Himachal Pradesh, particularly in areas adjacent to Punjab.

Following the shooting of former Bilaspur MLA Bumber Thakur during Holi celebrations, alarming death threats have now been directed at Himachal Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Congress MLA Rakesh Kalia in Una. This situation raises significant concerns regarding the escalating criminal influence in the region.

Both Bilaspur and Una are located near Punjab, a state infamous for organized crime syndicates, including those led by Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, who have been implicated in various high-profile crimes, such as the assassination of Congress leader and singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022.

With Himachal Pradesh experiencing similar incidents—ranging from shootings to online threats and potential gang involvement—security forces are on heightened alert.

Threats Arise Following Gangster's Arrest

The recent threats surfaced from a Facebook discussion related to the arrest of gangster Amrish Rana, who was recently taken into custody for alleged illegal mining activities after his release from prison. A local resident, Arun Kumar, lodged a police report after noticing threatening remarks aimed at Agnihotri and Kalia.

One comment stated, “The public is once again demanding the sword,” while another ominously noted, “Only the Deputy CM and MLA Rakesh Kalia know” the reasons behind Rana's arrest. These posts were interpreted as direct threats, prompting a case to be filed at the Haroli police station on Thursday night (June 19, 2025). Authorities are currently conducting a cyber investigation to identify the individuals and their potential criminal connections.

Mukesh Agnihotri, representing Haroli, and Rakesh Kalia, the newly elected MLA from Gagret, are believed to have endorsed police actions against Rana. Both politicians have previously voiced their concerns regarding the rise of illegal activities in Una, a district increasingly vulnerable to cross-border crime due to its closeness to Punjab.

Attack on Bumber Thakur: A Coordinated Assault

Earlier, on March 14, former Congress MLA Bumber Thakur was targeted in a shooting incident during Holi festivities in Bilaspur. Four assailants unleashed nearly two dozen shots at him while he was interacting with attendees at his wife’s official residence. Thakur sustained a leg injury, while his personal security officer, Sanjeev Kumar, suffered severe abdominal wounds.

So far, three suspects have been apprehended. A viral Instagram video, set to a Punjabi track, is believed to feature the two primary shooters, reportedly hailing from Ritoli village in Haryana’s Rohtak district.

A Bolero vehicle, allegedly used by the attackers, was recovered in Mandi, along with a firearm. Authorities suspect that the assault was orchestrated with assistance from local informants who provided real-time updates on Thakur’s whereabouts.

Cross-Border Gangs: A Growing Challenge for Himachal Police

The events in Una and Bilaspur indicate a concerning trend: the reach of criminal organizations operating in Punjab and Haryana is extending into the political sphere of Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal’s geographical proximity to crime-ridden areas has rendered it increasingly vulnerable to gang conflicts, contract killings, and illicit networks that utilize social media to threaten or intimidate public officials.