Massive public outrage in Mandideep over child rape:Thousands of vehicles stuck for 7 km on National Highway; police search for accused still at large

People in Mandideep, Raisen district, expressed anger following the rape of a six-year-old girl. On Monday, members of the Sakal Hindu Samaj sat on the road in Mandideep, causing significant traffic disruption. Traffic jams occurred on both sides of the road. A jam stretching 14 km (11 miles) developed on the road from Mandideep towards Bhopal, while another jam of approximately seven kilometres formed from Mandideep towards Obedullaganj, reaching up to the Nahar Factory toll plaza. Thousands of vehicles were stuck in the congestion. Meanwhile, the Vidyarthi Parishad also staged a protest in Mangal Bazaar, Mandideep, where school children sat on the road demanding justice. Around 50 to 60 police personnel were deployed to restore order. Accused Lured Child with Chocolate Reports indicate that on the evening of 21 November, the child was playing outside her home when 23-year-old Salman approached her. Seeing the girl alone, he lured her on the pretext of giving her chocolate. He took her a short distance into the forest, committed the crime, and fled. The child was later found crying in the forest and is currently admitted to a hospital in Bhopal, where her condition is reported to be improving. On the second day following the incident, people blocked the Jaipur-Jabalpur National Highway in protest. The protest lasted about four hours before ending. The police have announced a reward of ₹10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the accused, who remains at large even 85 hours after the incident. Hunger strike protest on 3rd day In Obedullaganj, young Saurabh Malviya, along with 20 companions, staged a day-long hunger strike at Ambedkar Chowk on Sunday. By the evening, a large crowd had gathered. At 8 PM, the victim’s uncle, citing the long struggle, urged the youths to end the protest, which was subsequently concluded. ​