Protesters torch vehicles, block roads in Nashik

The protesters blocked the Mumbai-Agra highway at Ghoti toll plaza near Igatpuri, leading to traffic snarls through the day.

Twenty vehicles, including three police vans, ST buses and private vehicles, were torched and roads were blocked in Nashik district on Sunday, to demand action against the 15-year-old who allegedly assaulted a five-year-old sexually at Talegaon in Trimbakeshwar.

The protesters blocked the Mumbai-Agra highway at Ghoti toll plaza near Igatpuri, leading to traffic snarls through the day. Agitators also set the house of the suspect on fire, who was taken into custody within a few hours of the incident.

Some protesters were heard shouting the Ek Maratha Lakh Maratha slogan, a call given by the Maratha community during the ongoing statewide stir triggered by the rape and murder of minor girl at Kopardi on July 13.

Swift action by the police and a clarification by doctors that the minor was not raped helped bring the situation under control by evening.

Nashik guardian minister Girish Mahajan visited the girl at civil hospital. “Medical examination suggests it was an attempt to rape.”

Initial reports suggested the girl was raped, leading to tension in the village.

The police resorted to mild lathicharge and fired two rounds in the air to control the mob.

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar urged protesters to stop violence, saying the government has already taken action. “The police have arrested the suspect and the government has assured the charge sheet will be filed soon. As the government has taken action, it is time to end the protests.”