Nainital, Uttarakhand – May 1, 2025 — Communal unrest gripped parts of Nainital on Wednesday night following the arrest of a 65-year-old Muslim man accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. The incident, which reportedly occurred on April 12, has sparked widespread condemnation and triggered violent reprisals from sections of the Hindu community.
The accused, identified as Usman, is said to have lured the minor with money before allegedly committing the assault. A formal complaint was registered late Wednesday under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, prompting swift action from law enforcement, according to police sources cited by The Indian Express.
In response to the arrest, tensions escalated when a group of individuals reportedly vandalised shops and restaurants operated by Muslims in the vicinity of Usman’s workplace. According to eyewitness accounts and police reports, the mob also hurled stones at a local mosque, damaged several vehicles, and chanted anti-Pakistan slogans.
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Heavy police deployment has been arranged and the situation is currently under control,” said Superintendent of Police (Crime) Jagdish Chandra. “We are identifying those involved in the violence through CCTV and mobile footage. Anyone found disrupting peace or inciting unrest will face strict legal consequences.”
The violence continued until early Thursday morning, with the situation calming by around 12:30 AM. To prevent further flare-ups, local business associations have voluntarily decided to shut down the markets temporarily.
This latest outbreak of communal violence has once again highlighted the fragile harmony in mixed-population regions and the urgent need for communal sensitivity during high-tension incidents.