Meat Sellers Arrested for Molesting SC Girls and Attacking Protesters [Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh]

(Reported as seen)

In a deeply disturbing incident in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, three Scheduled Caste (SC – Dalit) girls were allegedly molested by Islamist meat sellers. When the girls’ relatives protested, the attackers responded with violence, injuring five individuals with sharp weapons. The incident has sparked outrage and led to the arrest of six suspects.

The incident occurred on Sunday, July 21, around 4 PM in the Bodhwa market area of Nanpara Kotwali. The three teenage girls were reportedly molested by meat sellers Aslam and Salman. When the girls’ relatives arrived to confront the perpetrators, the situation escalated. The attackers used meat-cutting tools to assault the girls’ family members, resulting in injuries to one girl and four men. The injured, identified as Vijay Singh, Pooran, Shravan, Guddi, and Chandni, were promptly taken to CHC Nanpara for treatment.

Superintendent of Police Vrinda Shukla provided details on the incident, stating that the conflict began when one of the SC girls slapped the son of one of the meat sellers. She alleged that he had made an inappropriate gesture and pulled her dupatta. The youth, in turn, claimed that his motorcycle had accidentally brushed against the girl while passing by. The girl’s brother then reportedly struck the youth on the head with an iron rod, which further escalated the situation into a violent clash between the two communities.

Following the incident, Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Dr. Pavitra Mohan Tripathi took immediate action. The police registered a case against nine residents of Bodhwa, including Salman, Aslam, Haleem, Kaleem alias Ibrahim, Mubarak, Raees, Nizam, Abrar, and Shamsher. They were charged under various sections, including the SC/ST Act, molestation, attempt to murder, and assault.

On Monday morning, police arrested six individuals, including Salman, Aslam, Ibrahim, Haleem, and Gulfan, near Kakri Mod. They were found in possession of two knives and three sticks. The search for the remaining three suspects is ongoing. Authorities have deployed a heavy police force in the area to prevent any further escalation of violence, ensuring the situation remains under control and peace is maintained.

This incident highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of laws protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring swift justice for victims of such heinous acts. The authorities’ prompt response in this case is a crucial step towards restoring safety and security in the region.