PATNA, Jan. 19 -- The Congress party launched a scathing attack on the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government in Bihar over the deteriorating safety of girls, especially those preparing for competitive exams. The sharp criticism came amid widespread outrage over the alleged gang rape and suspicious death of a NEET aspirant from Jehanabad at Shambhu Girls' Hostel here. Protesters, led by senior Congress leaders, torched an effigy of CM Nitish Kumar here on Monday, accusing the administration of shielding the accused and dragging its feet on justice.

The case has sparked protests across the state in recent days, with students, women's groups and opposition workers taking to the streets from Jehanabad to the capital, demanding immediate arrests an...