Tourist Violence Escalates in Himachal Pradesh: Police Officer Threatened with Gun
Incident Overview
Munish Sood
MANDI: In a troubling incident highlighting tourist misconduct, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) from Haryana Police, along with two companions, reportedly brandished a firearm at a Home Guard officer over a dispute regarding entry fees near Kasol in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh.
The confrontation occurred late at night at the Sumaropa 'SADA' toll barrier, raising alarms about the increasing unruliness and aggression exhibited by visitors in the region.
As per the official report, the altercation unfolded around 11 PM when a vehicle with Uttar Pradesh registration approached the toll booth. When asked to pay the entry fee, the occupants—three men and two women—allegedly began to verbally abuse the personnel on duty. One of the men reportedly drew a pistol, threatening to shoot the Home Guard officer.
A physical altercation ensued, leading to the vehicle barrier being forcibly removed. The suspects then proceeded to a nearby tourist police post, where they continued to cause a disturbance. CCTV footage from the barrier captured the incident, showing an individual exiting a white car, lifting the barricade, and threatening the toll staff. The footage also shows the Home Guard officer initially retreating before returning with a stick, which he ultimately dropped under duress.
The Kullu police have filed a cross-FIR, but local residents claim this incident is indicative of a broader trend of unchecked violence from tourists. They are demanding stringent action under the Arms Act and the withdrawal of the FIR against the Home Guard officer, asserting he was merely fulfilling his responsibilities.
This incident is part of a troubling rise in violent encounters between tourists and locals in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in popular tourist spots such as Kullu, Kasol, Manali, and Shimla.
• Manikaran clashes (2023): A mob of over 100 tourists, some displaying prohibited flags, engaged in violence and stone-pelting, prompting judicial intervention.
• Stabbings in Kufri (2024): A disagreement over snow boot rentals escalated into violence, with tourists attacking shopkeepers with knives, resulting in injuries.
• Kasol hotel assault (2025): In March, intoxicated tourists assaulted a local hotelier in Kasol, damaging property and injuring staff before being apprehended.
• Recent violence (June 2025): In recent weeks, Himachal has reported at least four incidents of violence involving tourists, including a brawl in Khajjiar, vandalism in Kangra, and an assault on an NRI couple in Chamba.