Dharamshala Murder: 17-Year-Old Kills Father, Collects Skull Fragments Before Fleeing

Last Updated:August 13, 2025, 15:14 IST

The chilling details of the crime, which took place in Taraila village under Sudhed Panchayat, 5 kms from Dharamshala, have now emerged from police sources

The police have confirmed the arrest but the motive remains undisclosed. (News18 Hindi)

The gruesome murder of 45-year-old Vineet Kumar, brother of a former local Pradhan in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, was solved within 24 hours with the police arresting his 17-year-old son as the prime accused. The arrest was made in Gurdaspur, Punjab, late on Sunday night.

The chilling details of the crime, which took place in Taraila village under Sudhed Panchayat, 5 kms from Dharamshala, have now emerged from police sources.

According to officials, Vineet’s son, a Class 11 student, allegedly shot his father in the head at close range using the latter’s licensed gun, shattering his skull. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when no other family members were present at home. The teenager is said to have fled immediately on a motorcycle, taping over the number plate and carrying a bag filled with cash, live cartridges, and clothes.

SP (additional charge) Ashok Ratna confirmed the arrest in a press briefing on Monday but refrained from disclosing the motive, citing the accused’s minor status. However, sources revealed that the boy had been in “bad company" in recent months and had even stolen a purse, prompting a scolding from his father. The continuous reprimands reportedly fuelled resentment, and the son had been watching revenge-themed videos on his phone before the murder.

Police believe the killing was premeditated. After the fatal shot, the accused allegedly collected fragments of his father’s skull into a box before leaving. Vineet’s estranged wife lives in Gurdaspur, while the son stayed with him in Dharamshala.

The crime came to light when Vineet’s brother returned home in the evening and found the victim lying in a pool of blood, with splatters on the walls.

SP Ratna stated that the accused, being a minor, will be booked under the Juvenile Justice Act. The post-mortem has been completed, and the boy will be produced before the court on Wednesday.

Location :

Himachal Pradesh, India, India

First Published:

August 13, 2025, 15:14 IST

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