HEAVY tension flared up in Gauharganj in Raisen district on Wednesday amid massive protests demanding the arrest of the accused, Salman alias Nazar, in the rape case of a sixyear-old girl. The situation suddenly deteriorated during a peaceful demonstration by the Sakal Hindu Samaj when some youths began pelting stones at the police. The police responded by firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. The area is currently under an undeclared curfew-like situation, with over 500 police personnel deployed.

 

Police Resort to Tear Gas After Stone Pelting: Hundreds of people had gathered at the School Ground in Gauharganj to demand the arrest of the accused Salman. After the event concluded, some youths attempted to move towards the Muslim Bawli settlement. When police tried to stop them, they reportedly used a minor lathi charge. The youths became enraged and began pelting stones at the police. Seeing the situation worsen, police fired tear gas shells, prompting the rioters to flee. DIG Prashant Khare confirmed that the situation is now under control and constant vigilance is being maintained. Police from Six Districts Deployed: Following the stone-pelting, the streets of Gauharganj are deserted.

 

People are confined to their homes, and markets remain shut. Police forces from six districts, along with the QRF and senior officials, are continuously patrolling the area. Over 500 personnel are monitoring every activity. Accused Salman Still Absconding; Search Operations Continue: The accused, Salman alias Nazar, who allegedly raped the sixyear-old girl on Friday, remains at large. Despite several police teams conducting continuous raids, there has been no success so far. This lack of arrest is fuelling the public’s growing outrage. The impact of the Gauharganj incident was also felt in neighbouring districts.

 

Sehore observed a widespread shutdown called by the Sarva Hindu Samaj, with markets and commercial areas remaining completely closed until noon. In Narmadapuram, the Sakal Hindu Samaj protested by blocking traffic at the SP Office Square. Chandrashekhar Tiwari, President of the Hindu Utsav Samiti and Sanskriti Bachao Manch, issued a final warning to the administration, stating clearly that if the accused is not arrested within five days, a Bhopal Bandh will be called.