By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 19 Jun: The case of rape of a 14-year-old Hindu girl in Lakhibagh allegedly by a Muslim youth has triggered widespread tension and protests by Hindu organisations, leading to police action against both the accused and those involved in subsequent violence. The incident came to light when the minor Hindu girl, living in a rented house, was allegedly assaulted by the nephew of her Muslim landlord inside a toilet. The accused was employed at a local bangles shop, which later became the target of vandalism by protestors.
Following the uproar, the shop owner lodged a complaint at Kotwali Dehradun, alleging that a group of men stormed his premises, made derogatory religious remarks and attacked him with sticks and bangles. He stated that the attackers appeared intent on killing him, forcing him to flee to save his life. The complaint further mentioned that the assailants damaged CCTV cameras, the DVR and other property, causing financial loss.
Based on the complaint, police registered an FIR naming Lalit Singh, Aman Swedia, Sidhant Badoni and Rohit Maurya along with 20 to 25 unidentified persons under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation has been handed over to Sub-Inspector Ravi Prasad Kavi, who is examining CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts and other evidence to establish the role of those involved.
Kotwali in-charge Hariom Chauhan confirmed that legal proceedings would follow once sufficient evidence is gathered, and arrests would be made accordingly. He said the case is being pursued with seriousness to ensure accountability.
The incident has sparked sharp reactions, with Hindu organisations staging protests and vandalising the shop where the accused worked. Police have simultaneously initiated the medical examination of the minor victim, with the report expected shortly. Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against the perpetrators of the crime as well as those responsible for violence, underlining that law and order will be maintained firmly. It may be recalled that a case has been filed under POCSO against the Muslim youth for raping a minor girl.
The case has highlighted the volatile atmosphere in the city, where a heinous crime against a minor has been compounded by communal tensions and retaliatory violence, prompting swift police intervention. At the same time, several Hindu organisations have expressed deep anguish over the cases filed against the Hindu youth by the Police and they have accused it of being deliberately lenient against the Muslim youth accused of raping the minor Hindu girl. They also allege that the case against the protesting Hindu youth has been filed at the request of the uncle of the alleged rapist youth.
