76 years old Usman accused of the raping a minor : Protests and Violence Erupt in aftermath

Uttarakhand, 1 May: A 76-year-old man, Mohammad Usman, was arrested on May 1, 2025, in Nainital, Uttarakhand, for allegedly raping a 12-year-old Hindu girl. The incident, which occurred in the Mallital area, has triggered widespread outrage and protests, leading to further tensions in the region. 

ccording to police reports, the accused, a contractor from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, lured the minor girl into his vehicle under the pretext of offering her work and subsequently sexually assaulted her. Following the victim’s complaint, authorities swiftly filed a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections, leading to the arrest of Usman.He  was taken into custody on Wednesday and he has been charged under the strict Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Authorities took him to court and placed him in jail under judicial custody.

Public Outrage and Protests:

The arrest sparked massive protests in the local community, with several Hindu groups voicing their anger over the incident. Protests erupted in Nainital, especially in Mallital, as locals and Hindu organizations demanded justice for the victim. Protesters escalated the protests into violence, engaging in stone-pelting and vandalism, particularly targeting shops believed to be owned by Muslims. Concerns about illegal encroachments and alleged demographic changes in the area further fueled the unrest. Demonstrators gathered outside Usman’s residence, demanding justice for the minor girl. The protests escalated and led to the vandalism of shops in the area, with several businesses, particularly those owned by Muslims, coming under attack.

Authorities’ Response:

Kumaon Division Commissioner Deepak Rawat confirmed Usman’s arrest and assured the public of a swift investigation. He also urged the public to cooperate with authorities and maintain peace.  Authorities have promised to take all necessary steps to uphold the law while ensuring the safety and security of all residents in the region.

Authorities had to step in to manage the situation, deploying additional police forces to prevent further violence and maintain order. To maintain law and order, the authorities deployed a large number of police personnel around the city. A source said many tourists are cutting their trips short, with a large number of hotel bookings canceled online. Authorities have deployed security officers in vulnerable areas and confirmed that the situation is stressful but manageable.

The suspected crime resulted in a complete shutdown of Nainital on Thursday. Shops, street vendors, and rickshaw services from Tallital to Mallital closed in protest. “People are incredibly angry and hurt by this terrible act,” said a local neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous. “This has only exacerbated an already tense situation. We seek justice for the child.” To preserve law and order, the authorities deployed a large number of police officers around the city. A source said, “Many tourists are cutting their trips short and we have received a large number of online hotel booking cancellations.” Authorities have deployed security officers in vulnerable areas, confirming that the situation is stressful but manageable.

Community leaders and officials have appealed to all groups involved to maintain calm while the investigation continues. A senior police officer stated, “We must focus on justice for the victim and will not tolerate violence or unrest.”

The case continues to develop, and further investigations are underway to ensure a fair and transparent legal process.