WB: Girl gang raped, vehicles set afire by locals

A minor girl was gang raped in West Bengal on her way back on school leading to violent protests by locals who set on fire three vehicles and damaged at least 30 others, including one belonging to the police, demanding that two youths who were allegedly involved in the crime be handed to them.

Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissioner Ajay Nanda said police had to resort to lathicharge as the huge contingent of personnel and RAF that rushed to the site at Sastigoria could not contain the situation.

A police driver was injured in the violence, he said adding eight people were arrested in connection with it and police picket was posted in the area in view of the tension.

Trouble started when the standard eight girl was forcibly taken away to a nearby place by two youths while she was on her way back from school yesterday and allegedly raped.

The girl reported the incident to her family after her return.

Following this, the family and its neighbours went to the local police station to file a complaint, which the police allegedly refused to entertain.

They blockaded NH 60 from 11 pm to 3 am on Tuesday in protest and lifted it when the police arrested the two youths in the early hours of the day.

However, when the school opened locals and the girl's family along with those of other students indulged in the violence on the highway demanding that the two youths be handed over to them or be given exemplary punishment. They also protested against alleged police inaction.

The girl underwent medical tests during the day, Nanda added.