Nainital communal clash: Uttarakhand HC takes suo motu congnisanse of minor girl's rape; asks authorities to curb tension

NEW DELHI: The Uttarakhand high court has taken suo motu cognizance of the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in Nainital and directed the police to maintain law and order in the region.
The court has ordered the enforcement of vehicle checks, crowd control measures, and monitoring of internet activity to prevent the spread of rumors.

A division bench comprising justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari and justice Vivek Bharti Sharma issued the directives on Thursday. The court emphasized the need for heightened vigilance to prevent any escalation of communal tensions in the area.

The accused, identified as 75-year-old Osman, a contractor, has been arrested in connection with the crime. The incident has led to protests by members of certain Hindu organisations, who have demanded strict action against the perpetrator. In response, shops owned by members of the Muslim community were vandalized, and stones were thrown at a nearby mosque.
Additionally, the Vyapar Mandal observed a bandh, closing their shops in protest.
To ensure peace and prevent further unrest, the police have been instructed to issue public appeals and intensify patrolling in the affected areas. A significant police presence has been established, with 22 Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) platoons and five superintendents of police deployed in Nainital.
The high court has also directed the authorities to take swift action against those spreading misinformation and to ensure that the situation remains under control.
The investigation into the case is ongoing, and authorities are working to maintain peace and order in the region.
(With agency inputs)