Why Are Residents Protesting the Alleged Sexual Assault of a Young Girl in MP?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Residents united in protest against a horrific crime.
- Calls for justice echo through the community.
- Police actions under scrutiny.
- The victim's condition remains critical.
- Political ramifications emerging from the protests.
Bhopal/Mandideep, Nov 26 (NationPress) Hundreds of angry residents, including women, children, and locals, brought the busy Mandideep-Obedullaganj road to a halt on Wednesday, demonstrating against the alleged sexual assault of a six-year-old girl in the nearby Panjra village of Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district.
The protest, which blocked National Highway 46 for several hours, intensified demands for immediate action as frustration mounted over the accused's continued evasion of arrest even after five days since the crime.
A significant police presence has been established in the vicinity.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has already dismissed the Superintendent of Police of Raisen and the Station House Officer of Mandideep Police station, yet the accused remains at large five days post the horrific act.
The child is reported to be in critical condition, with doctors indicating that her recovery may take months.
This shocking incident occurred on November 21 when the young victim, while playing near her home, was lured away by the 23-year-old accused, Salman Khan, with a promise of chocolate.
In a brutal act, the accused abducted and sexually assaulted her before leaving her in a life-threatening state by the roadside.
The child was rescued by passersby and taken to a local hospital, where she is currently under intensive care, fighting serious injuries.
The news of the assault spread rapidly through the close-knit communities of Mandideep, Obaidullaganj, and surrounding areas, sparking widespread public outrage.
Protesters, organized by groups such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, gathered early Wednesday morning, obstructing the crucial route linking Bhopal to Raisen district.
Banners proclaiming 'Justice for the Innocent' and 'Hang the Rapist' waved amid chants and placards, as families with young children joined the protest, highlighting the profound fear that has gripped parents in the region.
The blockade resulted in significant traffic congestion, with a 14-kilometer jam extending from Mandideep towards Bhopal and a seven-kilometer stretch towards Obaidullaganj, leaving thousands of commuters, school buses, and goods vehicles stranded for nearly four hours between noon and 3 p.m.
Tense standoffs ensued as police attempted negotiations, but the situation escalated when officers used mild force to disperse the crowd, resulting in minor scuffles and injuries among a few protesters.
Local leaders and residents expressed their unrestrained anger over what they perceive as police inaction. This unrest follows earlier demonstrations on Monday in multiple hotspots across Raisen, including Chiklod and Raisen town, where roads were similarly blocked in solidarity.
The protests have now attracted intense political scrutiny, with Chief Minister Yadav publicly criticizing the district police for their handling of the case.
In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, CM Yadav announced the removal of the local Superintendent of Police, denouncing the force for failing to apprehend the accused four days after the crime and for inadequate management of the protests.