Nagpur Village Tense After Teen's Alleged Assault Attempt on Minor Girl
A quiet village located approximately 100 kilometers from Nagpur in the Narkhed taluka was plunged into tension following a disturbing incident late Monday. A 17-year-old first-year college student was allegedly caught attempting to sexually assault a 13-year-old Class 8 girl inside her residence.
Villagers Intervene and Surround House
Alert villagers spotted the teenage boy entering the minor's house and immediately surrounded the property. According to sources, the accused had been stalking the girl for several months before managing to befriend her in January of this year. This friendship led to frequent meetings, culminating in Monday's alleged assault attempt, which sparked widespread outrage among the local community.
Police Response and Community Outrage
The gathered crowd raised slogans and demanded the immediate arrest of the accused. Senior police officers, accompanied by riot-control units, rushed to the village to prevent potential clashes and restore order. Although peace was eventually restored, the situation remained volatile as some right-wing activists labeled the episode as 'love jihad,' prompting police to maintain a tight vigil throughout the night.
Legal Actions and Custody Arrangements
The teenage boy is now under the custody of the Juvenile Justice Board and has been shifted to a government home. The 13-year-old girl, visibly shaken by the ordeal, was taken to a government shelter home for her safety and care. Both families involved have received guidance from police and child protection authorities regarding legal procedures and support systems.
Awareness Camp and Preventive Measures
On Thursday, a joint awareness camp is scheduled to be held by the Narkhed court, the women and child development department, and local police. The event will commence with a rally starting from the court premises to the police station, followed by educational lectures. These sessions will focus on child rights, protection of minor girls, provisions of the Pocso Act, and laws against atrocities on women.
Official Statements and Future Steps
Assistant Police Inspector Mangala Mokashe, in charge of Narkhed police station, confirmed that the situation is now under control. "We have invoked relevant sections of rape and the Pocso Act in this case," stated Mokashe. "Thursday's awareness camp will emphasize prevention strategies. We want every parent and child in the community to be fully aware of their legal rights and protections."
District Child Protection Officer Mushtak Pathan expressed concern over the rising number of Pocso cases in the region. "The increasing incidence of abuse against minors is deeply distressing," he remarked. "Education and awareness serve as the only effective shield against such crimes. We must empower communities with knowledge." The minor girl is scheduled to appear before the child welfare committee on Thursday for further assessment and support.
