Mystery Deepens Over 21-Year-Old’s Death in Mussoorie
Mussoorie, August 18, 2026: The death of 21-year-old Manish Kumar, a pickup driver from Takarana, Kempty, Tehri Garhwal, has raised questions after his family alleged that his death may not have been a straightforward suicide.
Manish was found hanging from a thin white rope attached to the left side of his pickup near Old Maggi Point on August 13. According to police, he had left Mussoorie for Dehradun at around 3:30 am in pickup vehicle UK07CD7644.
His brother Anuj, 28, who was also travelling towards Dehradun in his pickup, reportedly spotted Manish's vehicle around 7:00 am. He approached the vehicle and found Manish hanging. He removed the rope, placed his brother inside the vehicle and informed the Kolukhet Police Outpost. Police reached the spot shortly afterwards.
The scene was secured and examined by a field unit, which collected physical and scientific evidence. The evidence is to be sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for examination. Panchanama and post-mortem proceedings have also been completed.
Family Raises Suspicion
On August 17, four days after the death, Manish's family submitted a written complaint at Kotwali Mussoorie, alleging that he may have been abetted to commit suicide. Police subsequently registered a case under relevant provisions and began an investigation.
Speaking to the media, Manish's brother Manoj, accompanied by family members, villagers and the Gram Pradhan, also raised suspicion that the death could involve murder or other foul play.
The family has alleged that Manish had an altercation with a girl on the day of his death. They have also raised questions about two other persons whom they described as Mussoorie residents. These allegations have not been independently established, and the police press note does not confirm them.
Evidence Now Holds the Key
Investigators are examining the family's complaint alongside the panchnama, post-mortem report, scientific evidence collected from the scene and other facts emerging during the investigation.
At this stage, murder has not been established. Police have registered the case based on the family's complaint alleging abetment to suicide.
The circumstances surrounding Manish's final hours, the alleged altercation and the findings of the post-mortem and forensic examination will be important to the investigation. The family has raised questions, while investigators will determine the facts based on available evidence.
