Himachal shocker: Outrage in Shimla after schoolgirl raped and murdered

The outrage over alleged rape and murder of a schoolgirl in Kotkhai area of Shimla district spilled to the state capital as various political and students' organisations took out a protest march today against the failure of the police to nab the culprits.

People in Kotkhai area also took out a candle march demanding immediate arrest of the culprits.

A class X girl had gone missing on July 4 while she was returning from the school. Her parents lodged a complaint with the police after her body was found in the Haliala forest two days later.

Initially, the police held it was case of murder but after the post-mortem report confirmed rape, a case of rape and murder was registered besides the relevant sections of the POCSO Act as the victim was a minor.

Investigations showed that the culprits were aware of the routine of the girl and knew that she does not carry a mobile phone, sources said. However, no arrest has been made so far.

Comparing the brutal murder with the 'Nirbhaya' episode, the BJP demanded immediate action against the culprits.

BJP Vice President Ganesh Dutt targeted the state government over the "deteriorating" law and order situation in the state. He said that the crime graph in Shimla has risen as the police was not taking its duty seriously and tried to hush up most of the cases.