<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Communal unrest broke out in Uttarakhand&rsquo;s Nainital after the alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl by a 60-year-old man led to widespread protests and incidents of vandalism.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The accused, identified as Osman, a contractor by profession, has been arrested. Authorities confirmed a significant police deployment across the city to maintain peace and prevent further violence.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Protests began after the girl was reportedly taken for a medical examination on Wednesday evening. Demonstrators gathered outside the local police station demanding strong action against the accused.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The situation escalated with acts of vandalism targeting shops owned by members of the Muslim community, and a nearby mosque came under attack with stones. In the ensuing chaos, several vehicles were damaged and stones were thrown at residential houses, shattering windows.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Senior police officials intervened to calm tensions and reassured residents that the case would be handled strictly under the law. Despite these efforts, the protests continued late into the night, prompting intensified police patrolling until early morning hours.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Security forces remain stationed in key areas of the city to prevent any flare-ups as the investigation continues.</span></div>

Violence Erupts in Nainital Following Alleged Rape of Minor Girl

Arrest of 60-year-old accused triggers protests, communal clashes, and vandalism; heavy police deployment in place to maintain order

Violence Erupts in Nainital Following Alleged Rape of Minor Girl

Arrest of 60-year-old accused triggers protests, communal clashes, and vandalism; heavy police deployment in place to maintain order

May 2, 2025 | 14:18 IST