Purba Medinipur, 24 June (H.S.): A three-and-a-half-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by a youth in the Kakurda area near Kanchanpur in Mahishadal block of Purba Medinipur district on Tuesday night, triggering widespread outrage and clashes in the region, the police said Wednesday.

The accused was arrested the same night after local youths apprehended him and handed him over to the police.

According to the police and local sources, the accused allegedly lured the toddler near his shop before committing the assault. As news spread, angry residents took to the streets in protest which continued on Wednesday.

However, the situation turned violent when the accused's associates allegedly attacked the protesting villagers with sharp weapons. At least 10 to 12 people sustained injuries in the assault and were rushed to a local hospital for treatment.

Heavy police deployment has been made in the area to prevent any further deterioration of law and order. Security personnel conducted patrols through the night, officials said.

Senior administration officials said the state government swiftly took note of the incident. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is learnt to have personally condemned the act in strong terms and directed local authorities to take the strictest possible legal action against the accused. He is also said to be personally monitoring the situation, sources said.

A section of local BJP leaders claimed the state secretariat Nabanna swung into action immediately after being informed of the incident.

Residents of Mahishadal, cutting across sections, have demanded exemplary punishment for the accused. The administration has assured that the situation is currently under control and a thorough probe into the incident has been initiated.

The police have registered a case and further investigation is underway.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey