Koppal: Tension after youth attacked for being seen with minor

Koppal: Tension prevailed in parts of Koppal city after a minor girl was found in the company of a youth from another community, leading to an alleged assault on him and the registration of an FIR against some Bajrang Dal activists, police said.According to police, the incident came to light after the minor was reportedly seen with the youth at a coffee shop in the town. Members of Bajrang Dal are said to have questioned the youth over his association with the girl.The situation escalated when the youth was allegedly taken to another location and assaulted. He was later admitted to the district hospital, where a medico-legal case (MLC) was registered.Superintendent of police Ram L Arasiddi said that, based on a complaint filed by the youth, a case has been registered against eight persons.The incident triggered protests by members of Hindu organisations, who gathered outside the town police station and demanded action against the youth under provisions of the Pocso Act, citing that the girl is a minor.A large crowd assembled outside the police station for some time, prompting senior police officers to rush to the spot. Additional police personnel were deployed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.Police said the case is under investigation and that action will be taken in accordance with the law, keeping the safety and welfare of the minor in mind. The SP said both aspects - the alleged assault on the youth and the circumstances involving the minor - are being examined.Officials said the situation is under control, though security has been tightened in sensitive areas of the city.