Man who shot dead woman official during demolition drive in Kasauli arrested from Mathura

The man accused of killing Kasauli Assistant Town Planner Shail Bala Sharma, who was shot dead while conducting a demolition drive in Himachal Pradesh, was arrested by the police in Mathura in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday.

Accused Vijay Kumar, owner of Narayani guest house in Kasauli, fired two rounds in the air as employees began the demolition drive in Dharampur area following Supreme Court orders.

A stray bullet hit Shail Bala, killing her on the spot, a police official had told IANS. Labourer Gulab Singh received a gunshot injury in the abdomen. Sanjya Negi, a Sub-Divisional Officer of the Electricity Department, had a narrow escape.

The district administration officials were removing illegal structures in 13 hotels and resorts in Kasauli area when the crime was committed.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur mourned the official`s killing and said the culprit would be arrested soon and acted against as per the law. "The law and order will be maintained at all costs in the state."

The Supreme Court on April 17 ordered the demolition of illegal constructions at several hotels and resorts, saying the life of people cannot be endangered for making money.

The court observed that the illegal constructions had put the city in danger, causing landslides, and ordered the demolition of such constructions.