Bhowali tense as minor’s pregnancy after ‘rape’ triggers protests, market shut; accused held

NAINITAL: Tension gripped Bhowali town in Nainital district on Thursday after a 17-year-old girl was found to be six months pregnant, allegedly following sexual assault by a 21-year-old taxi driver from another community. The incident triggered public outrage, a market shutdown and protests outside the local police station, with residents demanding strict action against the accused.Police said the matter came to light after a local hospital informed Bhowali police station on Wednesday about the pregnancy. Based on the statement of the girl's family, a case was registered under BNS section 64 (rape) and sections 5(J)/11/6 of the Pocso Act against the accused, who was arrested and produced before a court on Thursday. The Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) was deployed in sensitive areas to prevent escalation. Police said the situation was under control but said there was "a sense of unease in the area." Nainital SP Jagdish Chandra said, "The accused, who lives close to the girl's village, will face strict legal action. The girl is undergoing medical examination, and we appeal to the public to maintain law and order and not disturb communal harmony."In the backdrop of the incident, former Union minister and Nainital Lok Sabha MP Ajay Bhatt spoke to district magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal and asked him to conduct a detailed inquiry on how "outsiders were allegedly occupying govt land and constructing houses illegally while locals are required to follow strict building approval norms."Separately, the Nagar Palika Parishad, Bhowali, issued a notice on Thursday to a resident of the same area where the girl was found pregnant, alleging illegal construction on govt land. The notice directed him to submit relevant land and building documents within three days, failing which demolition and legal action would follow. Copies of the notice were forwarded to the district magistrate, district development authority and the circle officer for action.