Stones were thrown, smoke bombs were fired, and tear gas was used in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district on Wednesday as protests snowballed over the rape of a six-year-old girl consecutively for the fifth day. Violence unfolded in Gauharganj when protestors allegedly targeted police personnel during a Sakal Hindu Samaj demonstration.
What Exactly Happened?
The unrest dates back to November 21, when a minor girl was allegedly raped by a man identified as Salman (23), who is currently on the run. The agitation over his absconding ignited widespread demonstrations across Raisen, Mandideep, Silwani, Gauharganj, and other areas.
Meanwhile, tension snowballed following the beating of a few youth by police amidst stone pelting, increasing the aggression from protestors. A heavy police force has also been deployed across sensitive points in the district.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav reviewed the situation at the state police headquarters in Bhopal on Tuesday night and directed officials to take swift action. He also transferred Raisen Superintendent of Police Pankaj Kumar Pandey, but the decision did little to pacify demonstrators, who kept markets closed on Wednesday while demanding the arrest of the accused.
Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and other Hindu organizations joined the agitation, shouting slogans against the police. Some protesters held placards urging unity, while others chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and called for the immediate arrest and execution of the suspect.
