Palamu, April 03: A mentally challenged minor was raped and then killed by stoning in Palamu, triggering protests by locals demanding the death penalty for the accused.
According to police, the accused lured the minor to his house on Wednesday and committed the crime. Locals, angered by the incident, caught the accused and beat him before the police arrived and took him into custody. He is currently being treated in the prisoner ward of Medinirai Medical College and Hospital.
Police have registered a case under various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The victim’s post-mortem was conducted on Thursday, and the body was handed over to the family.
Protests erupted against the police, with locals accusing them of inaction after the minor was reported missing. Demonstrations took place on Wednesday night and continued on Thursday, targeting the working style of the TOP 2 police.
BJP state general secretary Manoj Singh, outgoing deputy mayor Mangal Singh, Sadar SDPO Manibhushan Prasad, and city police station in-charge Devvrat Prasad reached the protest site and attempted to calm the demonstrators.
On Thursday afternoon, protesters blocked traffic at Chhahmuhaan for half an hour, demanding the accused be hanged. Sadar CO Amarjeet Bilhotra arrived and assured the protesters of all possible government assistance, after which they dispersed.
Authorities have stated that the accused remains in police custody and that they will seek a speedy trial. “A request will be made for hearing the incident through speedy trial,” said City Police Station in-charge Devvrat Poddar.
