Paraglider pilot booked for Gujarat youth’s death

A first information report (FIR) has been lodged against the pilot following the death of a tourist from Gujarat during an illegal paragliding activity near Bangotu, ahead of the Indunag take-off site. The case has been registered under Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Dharamsala police station, citing negligence as the reason for death.

Satish Rajesh Bhai (25) from Ahmedabad suffered fatal injuries during a tandem flight on July 13. He succumbed to his injuries at Tanda medical college later. The pilot, identified as Suraj, a resident of Dharamsala, is at present undergoing treatment and is reported to be out of danger.

The site where the accident occurred is yet to be notified. However, operators managing these illegal flights have not been named in the FIR, raising concerns over regulatory oversight. Locals have expressed frustration over the lack of action, emphasising that such adventure sports must strictly adhere to safety norms and official permission.

Vinay Dhiman, District Tourism Development Officer, said that it was a clear violation of the Himachal Pradesh Aero Sports Rules, 2022, and the Tourism Development and Registration Act, 2002. According to him, a strict action would be taken against the pilot and the operator involved in this unlawful activity.

A magistrate had been appointed to lead the investigation and he would soon visit the site to examine all irregularities, Dhiman added.

According to Shalini Agnihotri, SP, Kangra, the police were investigating the technical details and appropriate action would be taken against the offender.

Himachal Tribune