Author: Keshav Agrawal, TNN
Publication: The Times of India
Date: April 12, 2015
URL:   http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/Rape-of-nine-yr-old-sets-off-tension-in-Pilibhit-town/articleshow/46899133.cms

A 45-year-old grocer allegedly raped a nine-year-old girl in Kalinagar town of Pilibhit district. The matter snowballed into a communal issue soon afterwards, and an agitated mob gathered and set some shops on fire.

 The incident occurred on Saturday. Police have lodged an FIR in the matter and arrested the man accused of rape. A second FIR was lodged against 10 others, including a woman, on charges of pelting stones and opening fire at policemen.

 A heavy posse of policemen were deployed in Kalinagar town soon after the arson. The SP, ASP and circle officer have conducted inspections of the area.

 The FIR lodged on Sunday morning at Madhotanda police station states that the nine-year-old, a resident of Kalinagar town, had gone to fetch groceries the day before when she was assaulted.

 The girl was reportedly lured by the shop-owner with some food and taken to a deserted building nearby, where he raped her. Hearing the girl's screams, some people rushed to help her. The man fled, jumping over a wall.

 As news of the assault spread, a large mob gathered. Senior police officials also rushed to the spot. The mob asked ASP Sudhir Kumar Singh to hand the culprit over to them so they could mete out punishment. Police officials then entered into a heated argument with the crowd. The ASP said the victim was like his own daughter, and prompt action would be taken against the culprit.