Shimla, April 14 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jairam Thakur, criticized the Congress-led government on Tuesday following the tragic murder of a 19-year-old college student in Sarkaghat, Mandi district, labeling the incident as a clear sign of the declining law and order situation.

Thakur informed the media that the victim, a second-year college student, was viciously attacked with a sharp object while heading to her classes. The severity of the assault resulted in her death at the scene.

“This event is not just an isolated case; it starkly reflects a failing law and order framework. The brutality involved in this crime has profoundly disturbed the collective consciousness of Himachal Pradesh,” stated Thakur, the Leader of Opposition. Voicing his sorrow, the six-term legislator mentioned his personal meeting with the grieving family, describing their pain as “beyond words.”

The father of the victim, employed as a private driver, is in deep anguish and has called for justice for his daughter. “The family is heartbroken. The father had a conversation with his daughter shortly before this horrific act. Mere hours later, he received the news of her passing. No words can alleviate such a loss,” Thakur added.

While acknowledging that the alleged perpetrator has been caught, reportedly with assistance from local residents, Thakur raised suspicions about potential broader networks involved in the crime. “It is crucial to determine whether the accused acted independently or was influenced by others. Every connection must be meticulously scrutinized,” he urged.

Relating the incident to the escalating issue of drug abuse, Thakur noted that the accused was purportedly under the influence of drugs during the attack. “The government claims to be conducting anti-drug initiatives, yet the reality on the ground tells a different tale. With thousands of youths identified as drug users, what tangible measures are being enacted to avert such crimes?” he challenged.

Citing official statistics, Thakur highlighted that the state has seen over 6,200 cases registered under the NDPS Act in the last three years, resulting in 66 fatalities due to drug overdoses. He also pointed out a disturbing rise in crimes against women, which have surged past 1,850 cases in recent years, calling for urgent intervention.

Just a day prior, Governor Kavinder Gupta described the crime as “heinous, inhuman, and profoundly unsettling.” The Governor had a discussion with Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari to receive a comprehensive report on the incident.

He instructed the police to ensure swift and strict action against the offender to bring them to justice promptly. The Governor also underscored the necessity for continued vigilance and collaborative efforts to guarantee the safety and security of citizens, particularly women.