Kolkata, 23 December (H.S.): A seven-year-old girl was allegedly raped on Monday night in Raghavpur area under Domjur police station of Howrah district. As news of the incident spread, local residents took to the streets in protest.

As per information, road construction work was underway by the local panchayat. Local residents alleged that a laborer involved in the road construction first molested the minor girl and then took her to an under-construction house where he raped her.

Tensions escalated in the area on Monday evening following the incident. A local resident said, Around 8 pm, the girl's uncle called me. He told me about the incident. There have been several complaints against the laborer who committed this crime. Even before this incident, he had overturned a vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol.

Local residents have also questioned the police's response. They claimed, The family members were hesitant to call the police station. But we called them. Despite this, the police took a long time to arrive.

By the time the police arrived, the situation had spiraled out of control. Angry residents engaged in violent protests. Four small Matador vans and a motorcycle were vandalized. One of the Matador vans was also set on fire. A large police force and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were deployed to control the situation.

According to police sources, no written complaint has been filed yet. However, based on the oral complaints of the local residents, a search is underway for the accused. The girl's medical examination is expected to be conducted on Tuesday.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey