Communal tension flared in parts of Uttarakhand’s Nainital after the arrest of a Muslim man for allegedly sexually harassing a Hindu minor girl, leading to incidents of vandalism targeting shops and a mosque, prompting authorities to tighten security in the area.
On April 12, the family of a minor in Uttarakhand’s Nainital filed a rape complaint against 65-year-old contractor Usman, and an FIR under the POCSO Act after the victim’s mother brought her to the police station on Wednesday leading to his arrest.
Following the arrest, around 9:30 pm on Wednesday, a group of men, including members of Hindutva groups, gathered near the market where the accused had an office and vandalised shops and eateries belonging to the Muslim community.
In a video that surfaced, some men were seen slapping staff members at these establishments.
The crowd also staged protests in front of a mosque, pelting stones at it, and later demonstrated outside the local police station.
On Thursday, people took to the streets, shouting slogans, while most schools, colleges, and markets remained closed in response to the ongoing tension.
The Anjuman Islamia Committee, Nainital, has condemned the incident and expressed solidarity with the victim. In a statement, the committee denounced the crime, extended support to the survivor, and called for strict action against both the accused and those involved in the vandalism, including the attack on the mosque and the disruption of communal harmony.
“We, the Anjuman Islamia Committee, Nainital, strongly condemn this heinous crime. We stand with the victimized girl and demand the strictest punishment for the perpetrator,” said the committee.
They urged the administration to take strict action against such individuals who are trying to disturb communal harmony.
In a video statement, SSP Prahlad Meena said the investigation is ongoing and assured that the “strictest legal action will be ensured against the accused so that no one dares to commit such a shameful act in the future.”
A large police force has been deployed in the area. Superintendent of Police (City) Jagdish Chandra stated that personnel have been stationed at the mosque, in areas where both communities reside, and throughout the market.
