BJP demands arrest of all accused within 24 hours; raises questions over alleged protection to tipper mafia
Shimla, May 12:
Bharatiya Janata Party state president Dr Rajeev Bindal on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress government over the brutal attack on a father-son duo in Kolar area of Sirmaur district, alleging that the incident reflects the deteriorating law and order situation in Himachal Pradesh.
Describing the attack as “extremely horrifying,” Bindal said armed assailants from outside the state allegedly attacked the victims with swords and sharp-edged weapons while they were sitting outside their shop. He termed the incident a clear case of attempt to murder and claimed that criminals and anti-social elements have become emboldened under the present regime.
He said the injured are battling for their lives in hospital and the incident has exposed the “complete collapse” of law and order in the state.
The BJP leader further alleged that the tipper mafia has become “completely unchecked” in the Kala Amb–Paonta Sahib highway belt of Sirmaur district. He claimed that overloaded tippers continue to create fear and chaos on roads throughout the night, putting the lives of commuters at risk.
Referring to the recent incident, Bindal alleged that the attack stemmed from an earlier dispute between a tipper driver and a local shopkeeper over overspeeding. He questioned who was allegedly providing political protection to tipper operators and criminals involved in illegal activities, including overloading and operating vehicles without number plates.
“The people of Himachal Pradesh want to know where this material comes from, where it is transported, and under whose patronage this entire network is functioning,” he said, accusing the Congress government of encouraging illegal mining, overloading and hooliganism while the administration remains a mute spectator.
Bindal said the police have detained one accused and seized the suspected Scorpio vehicle involved in the attack, but added that “mere formalities are not enough.” He demanded the arrest of all accused within 24 hours and called for a fair and impartial investigation into the matter.
Warning of public protests if strict action is not taken, the BJP leader said the party would not tolerate “goondaraj, tipper mafia and criminal activities” in the state.
The BJP also alleged that incidents related to crime, mafia activities and law-and-order failures are increasing in Himachal Pradesh, while the state government remains busy in “political management.” The party said Himachal Pradesh, known for its peaceful environment, is being pushed towards fear and anarchy, which the people will never accept.
