Neemuch, April 2 (IANS) Tension gripped Parda village under the Manasa police station area in Madhya Pradesh’s Neemuch district after an incident of molestation of a 13-year-old girl allegedly by a 55-year-old man.

The accused, identified as Abdul Rahman, allegedly lured the minor girl to his house when she was alone and subjected her to inappropriate acts.

Upon returning from a religious function around 10.30 p.m., the girl narrated the ordeal to her parents. She also alleged that the accused threatened her with dire consequences and tried to silence her by offering Rs 50.

Police registered a case based on the complaint and arrested Abdul Rahman from a friend’s residence after he was found missing from his house.

However, the arrest triggered outrage in the village.

On Thursday morning, as news of the incident spread, villagers along with activists from Hindu organisations staged a protest. The crowd blocked a major road intersection and raised slogans demanding the demolition of the accused’s house.

The situation escalated when some protesters entered the accused’s house and began vandalising it, throwing household items onto the road.

When police tried to intervene, the mob allegedly pelted stones at the officers. To bring the situation under control, police fired tear gas shells and used mild force.

Additional Superintendent of Police Naval Singh Sisodia said, “Villagers were protesting against the molestation incident, but some anti-social elements took the law into their own hands and resorted to stone-pelting. We had to use tear gas to disperse the crowd. Peace has now been restored, and we are identifying the rioters through video footage.”

A heavy police force has been deployed in the village to maintain law and order.

A senior police officer confirmed that several youths have been detained, and further investigation is underway.

Meanwhile, the administration has affixed a notice regarding alleged illegal construction on the accused’s house. An inquiry into the house is being conducted, and further action will be taken as per law.

The situation is tense but under control.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over the safety of minor girls in rural areas. Local residents have appealed for strict action against the accused and demanded exemplary punishment to deter such crimes.

Senior police and administrative officials are monitoring the situation closely to prevent any further flare-up. The girl is stated to be safe and is being provided necessary support.

–IANS

sktr/pgh