Communal tension in Himachal’s Mandi: After ‘attempted abduction’ of minor girl, man ‘beaten up’ by locals before handing him over to police

Later, the police registered an FIR and arrested the 30-year-old accused for allegedly chasing, harassing and attempting to abduct the minor school student. The police booked him under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.

The accused, who is married, also lodged an FIR against the minor’s family members for alleged threat, illegal confinement and assault.

Sakshi Verma, Superintendent of Police, Mandi, told The Indian Express, “Members of two communities came face to face following an incident of alleged sexual harassment of a minor girl. The accused belongs to the minority community. He alleged that the kin of the girl assaulted him. We registered cross FIRs. The situation is now under control.”

Sources said the incident occurred when the accused allegedly chased and tried to forcibly pull the girl into a car while she was returning from school a few days ago. The girl raised an alarm, prompting the man to flee from the spot, they said.

The girl narrated the incident to her family, who reviewed nearby CCTV footage to identify the man, said sources. On Wednesday evening, when the same man was seen near the girl’s house, local residents caught hold of him, thrashed him, and handed him over to the police, they added.

Soon, the man’s relatives arrived at the police station, and heated arguments broke out between members of the two communities. The situation escalated into a confrontation outside the station.

The police recorded the statements of the girl and her family members and began a detailed investigation.

In the counter complaint, the man’s family alleged that he was beaten up, humiliated, and illegally detained by locals before being handed over to the police.

The police said they are investigating both cases simultaneously and making efforts to maintain peace and prevent further communal tension in the area.

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