Breaking News
Nainital Reels from Outrage: Bara Bazar Shops Vandalized After Minor’s Rape
Dehradun/Nainital, May 1, 2025 – Nainital’s Bara Bazar turned into a battleground Wednesday night as protests over the alleged rape of a 12-year-old Class 7 student spiraled into vandalism, stone-pelting, and communal clashes. The incident, reported in the Mallital area, has sparked statewide fury and calls for justice.
Key Developments
- Incident: A 12-year-old girl was allegedly raped on April 12, 2025, by a building contractor in Mallital, near Tallital.
- Accused: Osman (also reported as Usman), aged 60-76, arrested on April 30. No additional suspects or minors confirmed detained.
- Public Fury: Protests by Hindu groups led to vandalism of Muslim-owned shops and a mosque in Bara Bazar, with vehicles damaged.
Protest Highlights
- Slogans: Crowds chanted “Hang the culprit!” and “Justice now!” outside Mallital police station, demanding swift action.
- Police Action: Additional forces from nearby areas deployed; tear gas and lathi-charge used to disperse mobs. Section 144 imposed to curb gatherings.
- Political Reaction: CM Pushkar Singh Dhami vowed “strictest punishment,” promising a thorough probe and enhanced local security.
Victim’s Condition & Legal Steps
- Hospitalized: The victim, examined at B.D. Pandey Hospital, is stable but under psychological care.
- Legal Aid: Case registered under Section 65(1) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO Act. Hearing set for early May at Nainital court.
- Forensic Evidence: Medical samples collected; forensic analysis underway at Dehradun’s SFSL.
Why Bara Bazar?
- Accused’s Link: Osman, a local contractor, operated in the area, fueling targeted anger.
- Symbolic Hub: Bara Bazar, a bustling commercial center, became a flashpoint for communal tensions, with shops seen as soft targets.
Broader Impact
- Tourism Dip: Hotel bookings in Nainital dropped 20% since April 30, with tourists citing safety concerns.
- Security Measures: Uttarakhand Police increased patrols around schools and markets; women’s safety units deployed in Mallital.
What’s Next?
- Investigation: Victim’s family demands a high-level probe, but no CBI involvement confirmed.
- Community Talks: District officials plan interfaith meetings to ease tensions and prevent further clashes.
The rape and ensuing violence have shaken Nainital, a serene hill station, exposing raw communal fault lines. With police on high alert and the case in court, residents hope for justice to restore calm.
