At least five people, including three women and two men, were killed after a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus plunged into a gorge near the Maseran area of Sarkaghat, around 60 kilometres from Mandi town, police said.

Vikas and his friend Ashish Kumar had been charged with stalking and attempting to kidnap daughter of an IAS officer by a court in Chandigarh in October 2017.

Preliminary information indicated that the bus was carrying approximately 20-25 passengers at the time of the mishap. Rescue and relief operations are being conducted by the police and local administration.