Dalit youth rapes toddler, mob goes on rampage in MP

A two-and-half year old girl was raped in Jalampur slums, Khaniadhana, 100km away from Shivpuri district headquarters, on Friday morning. An irate mob caught and bashed up the accused, Deva alias Bhura, 18, before handing him over to the police.

As news of the incident spread, a large mob gathered and set fire to the house of the accused in Valmiki basti, where Dalits live, and vandalised over a dozen houses in the area, forcing the residents to flee. The mob also targeted several shops, including liquor shops, and forced shopkeepers in the main market to down their shutters. They also gheraoed the police station, demanding the accused be handed over to them.

The inadequate number of policemen to control the mob resulted in violence for over three hours. It was only after additional SP Kamal Maurya reached the spot at around 2 pm with more police force that the mob was dispersed.

SP Sunil Pandey said the situation is under control and they were trying to find out who all were behind the vandalism.

“Cases have been registered against eight identified persons and over 150 unidentified persons for rioting and arson,” the SP said. All those who fled their houses have returned, he said.

The medical examination of the child was done in Pichore, situated some 40 km from Khaniadhana and the accused has been booked under rape, attempted murder and POCSO Act.

The incident came to light after some women heard the screams of the child. When they peeped into the room from which the screams were coming, they saw Bhura trying to throttle the child. Realising that he was found, Bhura ran and jumped into a nearby pond, but the people caught him, police said.

BHOPAL\SHIVPURI: