Jaipur: Internet remains suspended after violence over rape of 7-year-old
The rape of a seven-year-old in Jaipur, Rajasthan, has left the walled city shook, triggering violence and urging authorities to even suspend internet services in some regions. On Monday night, the girl was abducted from near her home in Jaipur's Shastri Nagar area, raped and later dropped at the same spot. An investigation is underway. Here are more details about the incident.
Girl dropped near home after rape; told parents: Police Commissioner
On Tuesday, Jaipur Police Commissioner Anand Srivastava told reporters, "Culprit lured the girl from near her house into a vehicle around 8 pm yesterday and raped her." She was dropped at the same spot two hours later and narrated the ordeal to her parents, who registered a complaint. A medical checkup was conducted, Srivastava said, adding, "Several teams are working to nab the offender."
Three suspects detained, but no arrests made
Although the police have detained three suspects on account of rape, they haven't made any arrests, The Indian Express reported. Congress leader Mahesh Joshi, party legislators Amin Kagzi and Rafiq Khan met the victim's father and gave him Rs. 5 lakh as compensation. "The compensation was sanctioned from the chief minister's relief fund," District collector Jagroop Singh Yadav told reporters.
Police suspect culprit a serial offender
Notably, police suspect the accused is a serial-offender, based on a similar incident wherein a person riding a bike kidnapped a child on June 22 within the same police station's territorial jurisdiction. CCTV footage revealed the accused in Monday's incident also rode a bike.
Separately, angry locals pelt stones, damage homes, vehicles
Evidently, the locals are extremely agitated with the series of events . According to TIE, a mob pelted stones, targeting a few homes, and damaged over 60 vehicles. Consequently, people whose homes and vehicles were damaged gheraoed the local police station, demanding action against vandals. 16 people were reportedly arrested on account of vandalism and arson, who were later released on bail.
Victim's father requests to curb fake 'death' rumors
After the incident, rumors reportedly started spreading on social media, in an attempt to communalize the issue. The girl's father requested Jaipur citizens to stop spreading "fake news" about the victim's death. "The child is okay, is walking and talking," he told TIE, requesting swift and strict action against the culprit. "Action will also be taken against those spreading the rumors," Srivastava told reporters.
Internet suspended till 10am Friday amid social media rumors
In response to the social media rumor-mongering, the internet was suspended in various regions of Jaipur. Jaipur Divisional Commissioner Kailash Chand Verma extended internet curbs on Thursday till 10 am on Friday within 13 police station limits since, Srivastava explained, "The situation is still sensitive."
