Daylight Horror: College Girl killed on Way to Class, Accused Caught Within Hours

In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns over public safety, a 19-year-old college student was brutally murdered in broad daylight in Mandi district on Monday morning.

The victim, Siya Guleria (19), a resident of Nain village under Gopalpur in the Sarkaghat subdivision, was on her way to attend classes at Degree College Sarkaghat when she was attacked.

According to police, the incident occurred around 9:30 am when Siya was heading towards the Gopalpur bus stop, where a friend was waiting for her. About a kilometre from her home, she was intercepted by a hooded assailant who had concealed his identity.

The attacker, armed with a sharp-edged agricultural weapon (sickle), first struck her on the arm, causing her to fall. He then delivered a fatal blow to her neck, killing her on the spot before fleeing.

The accused has been identified as Rishu Patial (32), a resident of Thiro village under Gopalpur. Preliminary reports suggest he may have been struggling with substance abuse.

Following the incident, local residents alerted the police, who immediately launched a search operation. In a swift response, police teams, along with villagers, tracked the accused to the forests of Fatehpur near Sarkaghat and apprehended him within hours.

Sources said that villagers who joined the search managed to overpower the suspect before handing him over to the police.

DSP Sanjeev Sood confirmed the arrest, crediting prompt police action and local support for the breakthrough.

Senior officers reached the spot to supervise the investigation, and the victim’s body has been sent for post-mortem.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and fear in the region, with many questioning the safety of women in public spaces.

Police are currently interrogating the accused to determine the motive and whether there was any prior connection between him and the victim. Further legal proceedings are underway.

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