An ICICI Bank officer was killed after losing control over his vehicle while trying to avoid hitting a stray animal on the Kangra-Ranital four-lane highway on Saturday. The deceased was identified as Abhishek, an officer with ICICI Bank. A stray animal suddenly came on the highway, forcing Abhishek to swerve to avoid a collision. He reportedly lost control over the vehicle, which crashed, causing fatal injuries. He died on the spot.

The incident has once again highlighted the growing threat posed by stray cattle and other animals roaming on major highways in Kangra district.

Residents and commuters expressed concern over the increasing number of stray animals on the Kangra-Ranital four-lane, alleging that the authorities have failed to implement effective measures to remove them from busy roads. They urged the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the district administration and local civic bodies to take immediate steps to prevent further loss of life.

With Abhishek’s death, more than 10 people have lost their lives in stray animal-related road accidents in the region over the past two years. Besides the fatalities, dozens of motorists have suffered injuries and vehicle damage in similar incidents.

Road safety experts have stressed the need to fence vulnerable stretches of the highway, establish shelters for stray cattle and conduct regular drives to remove animals from highways. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the accident.