A 24-year-old cattle herder was found dead in the jungle area of Upper Changthang, Bhusuk, under Gangtok District, prompting the police to register an Unnatural Death (UD) case for investigation.
According to police sources, a written FIR was lodged by Pratap Basnett (24), a resident of Bhusuk, reporting that his younger brother Rohan Basnett, who worked as a gothala (cattle herder), was found lying dead in the forest. Following the complaint, UD Case FIR No. 06/2026 dated January 26, 2026, under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), was registered.
Upon visiting the place of occurrence, police found the body lying in a prone position with visible injuries on the face and head, along with extensive blackening marks. Both hands of the deceased had black, charcoal-like stains. The scene was thoroughly examined and was found undisturbed, with no signs of scuffle, dragging, or external interference.
During the inspection, police seized a country-made firearm (khaduwa) with an iron barrel and wooden handle, suspected gunpowder, metal projectiles, a small firecracker-type cap, and a local rum bottle containing about half of its contents.
The father of the deceased stated that on January 25, 2026, Rohan Basnett had left home to charge his mobile phone but did not return thereafter. Owing to the remote location of the jungle, which requires approximately a two-hour walk, the body was later shifted to the hospital for inquest and other legal formalities.
Police stated that no foul play has been detected so far. Preliminary inquiry suggests the possibility of an accidental fire or misfire while loading the firearm. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of death.
