Court sends Sarkaghat murder accused in 4-day police custody

Kullu: A local court in Mandi on Wednesday remanded Vikas Patial, accused in the brutal murder of college student Siya Guleria, to four-day police custody.Earlier, Vikas was sent to two-day police remand by the court on April 14.Vikas allegedly hacked 19-year-old Siya to death with a sharp-edged weapon when she was on her way to her college in Gopalpur area of Sarkaghat sub division of Mandi district.After committing the murder, the accused had fled from the crime scene and hid in a forest area. He was apprehended by angry locals, who, before handing him over to the police, beat him up.The murder triggered a wave of anger and protests over law and order situation in the area.Meanwhile, former Himchal Pradesh chief minister and leader of opposition Jai Ram Thakur on Wednesday visited Gopalpur in Sarkaghat along with BJP MLAs.During the visit, he inspected the site of the incident and gathered information about the incident from the locals. Thakur also met the victim's parents and family members and offered his condolences and support.Thakur said the incident raised serious questions. The victim's family refused to accept it as a random act, pointing out that there is no logic in killing someone without reason. Even four days after the incident, the police have not reached any concrete conclusion, he added.The former CM said while the victim could not be brought back, failure to take strict action in this case would embolden criminals. "The govt must set an example," he said.