KEY POINTS
- Communal tension flared in Nainital following the alleged sexual assault of a minor.
- Protests erupted, leading to vandalism of shops and a mosque, and prompting police intervention and arrests.
- Heavy police deployment is in place to restore and maintain peace in the affected area.
Following the alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl by a 60-year-old man identified as Osman, communal tension erupted in Nainital, Uttarakhand. Officials reported that the incident triggered protests and vandalism. According to the police, the accused, Osman, who works as a contractor, has been arrested. In response to the situation, a significant deployment of security forces has been implemented to maintain peace in the area.
Protests began around 8 pm on Wednesday night after news circulated about the young girl being taken for a medical examination following the reported assault. Members of various Hindu organizations held demonstrations outside the local police station, demanding strict action against the accused individual. Police further stated that some shops belonging to members of the Muslim community were vandalized, and a nearby mosque was targeted with stones.
The protesting crowd also reportedly shouted anti-Pakistan slogans, damaged vehicles, and threw stones at houses in the vicinity, resulting in shattered window panes. Senior police officials, including Superintendent of Police (City) Jagdish Chandra, intervened in the situation. They assured the protesters that stringent action would be taken against the accused, which helped to de-escalate the immediate tension.
Despite the intervention of senior officials, the protests continued past midnight. As a result, the police intensified patrolling efforts until 2 am to prevent any further escalation of violence. Superintendent of Police Chandra confirmed that a heavy police presence has been established throughout the city to ensure the maintenance of peace.
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