Jhargram, 30 August (H.S.): Tension prevailed in Belpahari area of Jhargram on Sunday following an alleged rape of a minor schoolgirl. Members of the tribal community and local residents blocked State Highway 5 at Shilda-Bankura and staged a protest demanding justice.

Women protesters were seen carrying placards and demanding stringent punishment for the accused. The protest later turned tense, with some demonstrators allegedly resorting to vandalism and damaging houses in the area.

According to police, the incident allegedly took place last Sunday when the schoolgirl was travelling by a toto to attend tuition classes. The toto driver allegedly stopped the vehicle on the way and took the minor towards a forested area, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her.

The incident came to light after the girl did not attend tuition or school the following day. Her mother questioned her, following which the family learned about the alleged assault. A complaint was subsequently lodged at Belpahari Police Station.

Acting on the complaint, police arrested Rup Kumar Das, a resident of the area. He has since been sent to judicial custody.

The victim’s family has demanded severe punishment for the accused. Sarak Hembram, a member of the Bharat Jakat Santad Pathuway State Committee, said that arrest alone was not enough and demanded that the investigation be completed quickly and the accused receive the maximum punishment if found guilty.

Trinamool leader Suman Sahu and Binpur MLA Pranat Tudu also condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation and justice for the family. A district police official said the accused was arrested immediately after the complaint was received and is currently in jail.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey