The alleged rape of a seven-year-old girl on the premises of a North Delhi Municipal Corporation school in Mangolpuri triggered violent protests on Friday, which forced police to resort to lathicharge. Four policemen and eight residents were injured.
Mangolpuri residents protested outside the school, the area police station and SGM Hospital, demanding swift action against the culprits. It also led to traffic chaos. According to protesters, police were not actively pursuing the case and arresting the culprits. “Over 500 people were protesting against delay in arrest. Several NGO activists also came and joined the locals,” said a police officer.
The situation was most violent outside SGM Hospital, where the girl was admitted. Police said protesters pelted stones, damaged three low-floor Delhi Transport Corporation buses and some police vehicles.
“At least 300 policemen were deployed to control the mob. The whole area near the NDMC school and Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital was cordoned off,” said the officer.
As the protest spread, the gates of the hospital were closed from 1 pm to 3 pm. Hospital authorities said the girl was treated for injuries, and was sent home after examination at 4 pm. Medical reports have been handed over to the family.
Condemning the incident, National Commission for Women chairperson Mamta Sharma said incidents like these are rising, and unless tough punishment is given, the mindset of offenders will not change.
Separate cases of rape and rioting have been registered with Mangolpuri police station.
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