Raniganj:
A minor girl was allegedly gang-raped in West Bengal's Raniganj on her way back from school leading to violent protests by locals who set three vehicles on fire and damaged at least 30 others, including one belonging to the police, demanding that two youths who were allegedly involved in the crime be handed to them.
Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissioner Ajay Nanda said police had to resort to lathicharge as the huge contingent of personnel and RAF that rushed to the site at Sastigoria could not contain the situation.
A police driver was injured in the violence, he said, adding eight people were arrested in connection with this and police picket was posted in the area in view of the tension.
Trouble started when the girl studying in class eight was allegedly taken to a nearby place and raped by two men while she was on her way back from school yesterday.
The girl reported the incident to her family after her return.
Following this, the family and its neighbours went to the local police station to file a complaint, which the police allegedly refused to entertain.
They then blockaded NH 60 from 11 pm to 3 am today in protest and stopped only after the t he two men were arrested today.
However, locals and the girl's family along with parents of other students indulged in violence on the highway demanding that the two be handed over to them or be given exemplary punishment. They also protested against alleged police inaction.
The girl underwent medical tests during the day, Police Commissioner Nanda added.