Tensions erupted in Parda village in the Manasa police station area of the Neemuch district in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday (2nd April), after a 55-year-old Muslim man molested a minor girl. The incident happened on Wednesday night (1st April), when Abdul Rehman, who is a mechanic, barged into the 13-year-old victim’s house when she was home alone and tried to rape her. However, when the victim screamed, Rehman threatened her and ran away. When the victim’s family returned, she narrated the entire incident to them.
The next day, when the villagers came to know about the incident, they gathered on the streets and demanded action against Abdul Rehman. Several Hindu organisations also joined the protests and blocked the roads. Some agitated villagers barged into Abdul Rahman’s house and vandalised it. When the police attempted to stop them, the villagers pelted stones at the police team. The police resorted to a lathi-charge and tear gas shells to control the protestors. Rehman was later arrested by the police, and a case was filed against him.
“The accused has been arrested, and there is complete peace in the area. There is a case related to the molestation of a girl, and locals were demanding that strict action be taken against the accused. Acting promptly on the matter, the police arrested the accused and registered a case under the relevant sections against him. The police will ensure the strictest possible punishment for the accused,” Additional Collector BL Kalesh said.
“We received information this morning that an incident of molestation with a minor girl occurred last night. Acting on the information, the police force was sent to the spot. Based on the statement of the victim, a case was registered under the relevant sections, and the accused was rounded up,” said Naval Singh Sisodia, ASP (Additional Superintendent of Police).
The police also detained some of the protesting villagers for creating a nuisance. “Some people were creating a nuisance and were involved in some arson activity. We have received video of the incident as well. The police also used mild force to disperse the protesting crowd. The locals also protested the police force; we are collecting its video, and action will be taken based on it as well. There is a peaceful environment in the area, and the process of arrest is underway. So far, 4-5 people have been taken into custody,” ASP Sisodia added.
