According to police records, 187 murder cases have been reported in the Union Territory (UT) between 2016 and 2024. (Express file photo)With three recent murders in Chandigarh in just over 48 hours, the law and order situation in the ‘City Beautiful’ stands exposed.According to police records, 187 murder cases have been reported in the Union Territory (UT) between 2016 and 2024 — averaging around 20 murders per year. However, in just seven months this year — January to July — 15 murder incidents have taken place so far, with some cases also seeing the alleged presence of teenagers.Chandigarh Pradesh Congress Committee president H S Lucky has raised concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the city, especially in colonies like Dhanas, Ramdarbar, Maloya, Mauli Jagran, Bapu Dham, and Sector 25.Highlighting the surge in thefts, assaults, and drug-related incidents, he called it a “growing social crisis”. Lucky demanded an all-party meeting to address the issue and urged the police to intensify patrolling, increase surveillance, and crack down on drug peddlers. While acknowledging the capabilities of the Chandigarh Police, he emphasised the need for “immediate, coordinated action” involving community groups and welfare associations.Last Saturday, a 19-year-old man was killed in Indira Colony, Manimajra. By Monday evening, a 17-year-old boy was murdered near the Maloya-Jhampur barrier. Just hours later, in Ramdarbar, two youths were attacked with swords and sticks — and one of them succumbed to his injuries. The teenager murdered on Monday in Maloya-Jhampur was just 17, and all three of the accused arrested in the case are minors.Similarly, in the Ramdarbar case that occurred later that night, the victim, Raman, was a teenager, while his alleged attackers were aged 18 and 19. Just two months ago, another 20-year-old was stabbed to death during a scuffle over a cricket match in a local park — five minors were arrested in connection with that murder as well.Meanwhile, several murder cases in the city remain unsolved. In one such case from November 2021, the wife of a Panjab University professor was murdered in their home — her killer has still not been identified. In 2020, a school teacher allegedly killed his wife in Sector 23 and has been absconding ever since. Three years ago, a man murdered his 22-year-old niece in Sector 41 by stabbing her multiple times — he too remains on the run.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:chandigarh