The alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl by a 60-year-old contractor, identified as Osman, ignited communal tensions and unrest in Nainital, Uttarakhand, on Wednesday night. The news of the crime and the subsequent medical examination of the minor around 8:00 PM triggered immediate protests among local residents.  

The impact is still visible on Thursday. People took to the streets shouting slogans, while most schools, colleges, and markets remained closed.

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Police have arrested the accused, Osman, and deployed a significant number of security personnel to maintain law and order in the aftermath. However, according to a PTI report, demonstrations by members of some Hindu organizations outside the police station, demanding strict action, unfortunately escalated.  

Disturbingly, these protests reportedly led to the vandalism of shops belonging to members of the Muslim community and stone-pelting at a nearby mosque. The agitated crowd also allegedly raised anti-Pakistan slogans, damaged vehicles, and pelted stones at houses in the area, resulting in shattered windows.