Grandson of Former Jharkhand CM Dies in Manali; High-Altitude Sickness Suspected

Manali: A 22-year-old youth, identified as Veer Soren, grandson of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren, died under suspected high-altitude complications while on a holiday in Himachal Pradesh, police said on Wednesday.
According to officials, Veer had arrived in Manali on February 22 along with a group of friends. The group was staying at a private hotel in the Simsa area and had visited popular tourist destinations, including Solang Valley and Sethan village near Hamta Pass, a high-altitude region known for extreme weather conditions.
Police said that on Tuesday afternoon, Veer complained of a severe headache shortly after returning from sightseeing. His friends reportedly gave him medication, after which he went to rest in his hotel room. A short while later, they heard a noise and found him lying on the floor.
He was immediately rushed to the Civil Hospital in Manali. Hospital sources said the youth was brought in an unresponsive condition. Doctors performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) but could not revive him and later declared him dead.
Preliminary examination did not reveal any external injury marks. Officials said the cause of death appears to be linked to possible high-altitude sickness, though the exact reason will be confirmed only after the post-mortem report.
Manali police have initiated inquest proceedings and are following standard legal protocols. The body has been preserved and will be handed over to the family after post-mortem formalities.
Family members, including former Chief Minister Champai Soren, are expected to reach Himachal Pradesh.
Authorities have advised tourists visiting high-altitude areas to take adequate precautions and allow time for acclimatisation to avoid medical emergencies.