Nainital in turmoil: Protests erupt over rape of 12-year-old girl | VIDEO

Uttarakhand: Nainital, the tourist hotspot, is experiencing record violence and protests after a 12-year-old girl was gang raped. The accused, 75-year-old Mohammed Usman, a Class D contract worker who works for the public works department, has been caught. The arrest, however, has not calmed the situation, with mobs attacking shops, mostly Muslim-owned, and burning everything in their path.

A town in shock

The incident has caused shockwaves across the town, with schools closed, markets shut down, and emotions at an all-time high. Bimla Devi, a tea stall vendor who has lived in Nainital for over 60 years, said she had never witnessed such disruption in her life. Her stall had also been destroyed, and she demanded the law to catch up quickly.

The incident

According to reports in the media, the assault took place on April 12 but was told to the parents by the survivor weeks later when the incident actually occurred. The child, who is a student of Class 7, informed her parents what had happened, after which a police complaint was lodged and a medical examination was conducted. The police arrested Mohammed Usman on Wednesday and charged him under sections 65(1), 351(2) of the BNS, and under the POCSO Act.

Tensions mount

When the news of the case leaked out, people started gathering outside the Mallital police station. The tensions grew by the evening, with right-wing groups demanding harsh punishment. Some even mentioned Pakistan and the recent terror attack at Pahalgam, further raising tensions.

Condemnation and action

The town's bar associations have declared that they will not offer legal assistance to the accused. The Uttarakhand High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the furore and is expected to pass orders to restore normalcy to the town.

A call for calm

As the situation continues to be sensitive, there should be calm and sense. There should be haste on the part of the government in arresting the perpetrators and restoring peace in the town. There should also be unity among citizens of Nainital in decrying the attack and supporting the survivor and her family.

The way forward

The incident must be an eye-opener for greater awareness and action towards preventing crimes against women and children. Government authorities must take proactive steps to give the citizens the safety and security they are entitled to, particularly vulnerable classes such as women and children. Citizens of Nainital must also unite to make the town peaceful and harmonious.