Communal tension erupted in Nainital after a Muslim youth allegedly raped a girl. A mob vandalized shops, prompting a police lathi charge. The accused has been arrested, and a heavy security presence has been deployed in the city.
Uttarakhand: Communal tension has escalated in Nainital's Mallital area following the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl by a Muslim man. Angry mobs protesting the incident vandalized shops owned by members of the Muslim community and damaged several vehicles. Following the escalating tension, police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowds.
Police Force Deployed to Maintain Peace
Following the incident, PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) and additional police forces have been deployed to maintain law and order in the city. SP Dr. Jagdish Chandra stated that security has been heightened throughout the city and the situation is under control. The police and administration are continuously working to maintain peace.
Arrest and Court Appearance of the Accused
The accused contractor has been arrested and will be produced in court. Even after the arrest, a crowd gathered outside the Mallital police station demanding the accused's apprehension.
Markets Shut Down, Shops Vandalized
Following the incident, commercial activities came to a standstill in Mallital and Tallital markets. Angry mobs targeted shops owned by the Muslim community, leading to widespread vandalism. Subsequently, both markets fell silent, with shopkeepers closing their establishments.
Increased Police Deployment Amidst the Uproar
Given the communal tension, police were forced to use lathi charges. While the crowd dispersed, several individuals sustained injuries. Police have increased patrolling in the area and deployed additional forces to maintain law and order.
Complaint Against the Accused and Public Anger
The accused's son is a doctor at a government hospital, leading some to allege collusion between the police and the accused. This has further fueled local anger, with demands for stringent action against the accused.
Administration Remains Vigilant to Maintain Peace
The SP stated, "The situation in the city is currently under control, but we are taking all necessary precautions to maintain peace. Police have been instructed to prevent the spread of tension in the city."
