Dehradun, May 4 -- Opposition Congress on Saturday slammed the Uttarakhand government over "deteriorating law and order" in the wake of communal tension after the arrest of a 65-year-old man over charges of raping a minor last month. Speaking to reporters, leader of opposition in Uttarakhand assembly and senior Congress leader Yashpal Arya said, "Law and order in Uttarakhand has completely collapsed. Criminals have gotten a free-hand. It appears that the rule of law has been replaced by the rule of crime in the state. The fear of punitive measures no longer exists among offenders." He said, "The state was once known for its peace, culture and simple lifestyle, but now women are not safe under the BJP government. The gruesome act that happened in Nainital, then the Pauri Garhwal receptionist murder case, the Lalkuan rape case, rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Kichha, gang rape of a minor in Uttarkashi, attempt to rape in Bageshwar, molestation of students in National...there are countless such acts that shame humanity and tarnish the identity of Devbhoomi. It seems that jungle raj has been established, and there is chaos all around. The government machinery has collapsed." "Crime incidents are rising in the state with each passing day. The BJP government has failed to fulfil its promise of providing a fear-free environment. During its eight-year tenure despite promoting slogans like "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" there has been a considerable surge in atrocities against women such as rape, brutal murders, loots, thefts, robberies, chain-snatching, and pickpocketing across Uttarakhand," he added. Reacting to the Congress allegations, BJP state media in charge Manveer Singh Chauhan said, "The Congress shouldn't politicise the issue and rather recall their rule when the criminals had a free run. The accused in the Nainital rape case is behind the bars...the chief minister has instructed the police to take action against those who violate law and order." Locals and members of right wing Hindu organisations gathered at the Mallital police station seeking the custody of the accused and went on a rampage to assault Muslim shopkeepers and vandalise their establishments after the arrest of the accused. They also pelted stones at Jama Masjid mosque. On Friday, CM Dhami presided over a high-level meeting and directed officials to take action against those who violate law and order in the state....