Mandi Court Grants Four-Day Police Custody in Brutal College Student Murder Case
A local court in Mandi district has extended the police custody of Vikas Patial, the prime accused in the horrific murder of 19-year-old college student Siya Guleria. On Wednesday, the court ordered Patial to be remanded to four days of police custody, following an initial two-day remand granted on April 14.
Gruesome Details of the Crime Emerge
According to police reports, the incident occurred in the Gopalpur area of Sarkaghat sub-division in Mandi district. Siya Guleria was allegedly attacked by Vikas Patial with a sharp-edged weapon while she was on her way to college. The brutal assault resulted in her tragic death at the scene.
After committing the murder, the accused reportedly fled to a nearby forest area in an attempt to evade capture. However, he was eventually apprehended by local residents who had become aware of the crime. Before handing him over to authorities, the angry locals administered physical punishment to the suspect.
Community Outrage and Political Response
The murder has sparked significant public anger and protests throughout the region, with residents expressing serious concerns about law and order in the area. The case has drawn attention from political leaders, including former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur.
On Wednesday, Thakur visited Gopalpur in Sarkaghat along with several BJP MLAs to assess the situation firsthand. During his visit, he conducted a thorough inspection of the crime scene and gathered detailed information about the incident from local residents and witnesses.
Political Leaders Demand Justice
Thakur also met with the grieving parents and family members of Siya Guleria, offering his heartfelt condolences and assurances of support during this difficult time. The former chief minister expressed grave concerns about the investigation's progress, noting that even four days after the incident, police authorities had not reached any concrete conclusions about the motive or circumstances surrounding the murder.
"The victim's family has refused to accept this as a random act of violence," Thakur stated during his visit. "They rightly point out that there is no logical explanation for killing someone without reason. While we cannot bring the victim back, failure to take strict and decisive action in this case would only embolden criminals in our society."
The opposition leader emphasized that the state government must set a strong example through swift justice and thorough investigation. He called for immediate and comprehensive action from law enforcement agencies to ensure that such incidents do not recur and that justice is served promptly for the victim's family.
Investigation Continues Amid Public Scrutiny
As the police investigation continues under the extended custody period, authorities are facing increasing pressure from both the public and political representatives to deliver results. The case has highlighted broader concerns about safety and security in the region, particularly for students and young women traveling to educational institutions.
Local residents remain vigilant, with many expressing hope that the extended police custody will lead to crucial breakthroughs in the investigation. The community continues to mourn the loss of Siya Guleria while demanding accountability and justice through proper legal channels.
