DINESH AGARWAL
Shimla: Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur on Tuesday strongly criticised the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government following the brutal murder of a 19-year-old college student in Sarkaghat, terming the incident a stark reflection of the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
Addressing a press conference, Thakur said the young student, who was in her second year of college, was attacked with a sharp weapon while on her way to attend classes. The assault was so brutal that she succumbed to her injuries on the spot, sending shockwaves across the state.
“This is not merely an isolated incident but a grim indicator of a collapsing law and order system. The brutality of the crime has shaken the conscience of Himachal Pradesh,” he said. Expressing deep anguish, Thakur said he personally met the victim’s family and described their grief as “indescribable.” The victim’s father, who works as a private driver, is in severe distress and has demanded justice for his daughter.
“The family is devastated. The father had spoken to his daughter shortly before the incident. Within hours, he was informed of her death. No words can console such a loss,” Thakur said.
While noting that the accused has been apprehended—reportedly with the help of local villagers—Thakur raised concerns about possible larger involvement behind the crime.
“It is essential to investigate whether the accused acted alone or was influenced or used by others. Every link must be thoroughly examined,” he said.
Linking the incident to the growing problem of substance abuse, Thakur pointed out that the accused was allegedly under the influence of drugs at the time of the crime.
“The government claims to be running anti-drug campaigns, yet the situation on the ground tells a different story. If thousands of youth have already been identified as drug users, what concrete steps have been taken to prevent such crimes?” he questioned.
Citing official data, Thakur said that over the past three years, Himachal Pradesh has recorded more than 6,200 cases under the NDPS Act and 66 deaths due to drug overdose. He also highlighted a sharp increase in crimes against women.
“Crimes against women have risen significantly, crossing 1,850 cases in recent years. This is a deeply worrying trend and demands urgent intervention,” he said. He further criticised the government’s response to the incident, alleging a lack of sensitivity and accountability.
“Despite the gravity of the incident, there has been no visible response or expression of concern from the state leadership. This reflects a serious disconnect between the government and the people,” he said.
Thakur also pointed to infrastructural shortcomings, noting that the victim had to walk a considerable distance to reach public transport due to poor road connectivity, which may have contributed to her vulnerability.
He accused the administration of inefficiency and internal discord, claiming that governance has taken a backseat while political rhetoric continues to dominate.
“The state appears to be running without direction. Administrative failure, lack of coordination, and rising crime are clear indicators of a government that has lost control,” he remarked.
Demanding swift and strict action, Thakur called for a comprehensive and time-bound investigation to ensure justice.
“This is not just about one case; it is about the safety and security of every young woman in Himachal Pradesh. The government must act decisively and restore public confidence,” he added.