Tensions are rising in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district following the alleged molestation of a minor girl by a youth from a different community. Authorities have imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) within a 200-meter radius of the Nandanagar market area to manage the situation.

Police sources report that 500 unidentified individuals have been booked in connection with vandalism at a site over the past 48 hours. On Tuesday, a case was registered against 200 unidentified people at the Nandanagar police station, adding to the 300 previously booked on Monday.

Protests erupted in Gopeshwar on Tuesday, with demonstrators expressing outrage over the incident. A large police presence has been deployed to maintain order. Superintendent of Police Sarvesh Panwar stated that the main accused, Arif Khan (26), a resident of Sofatpur village, Bijnor district, was arrested on Sunday night. However, locals are demanding the arrest of three other alleged accomplices.

The controversy began when Arif, a salon owner, allegedly made obscene gestures at a minor girl from the area. The incident sparked widespread anger, leading to a mob vandalizing seven shops owned by members of the Muslim community. The market was forced to shut down for the day.

On Tuesday, the market remained closed, and protesters blocked vehicular movement. Villagers from nearby areas staged a sit-in protest, chanting slogans and demanding justice for the victim. The protesters also called for the District Magistrate (DM) to verify the identities of all outsiders and expel individuals with criminal backgrounds from the area.