Uttarakhand HC blocks demolition notice issued to man accused in Nainital rape case

The Uttarakhand High Court on Friday ordered the Nainital municipal authorities to withdraw a demolition notice issued to a man arrested for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl, The Indian Express reported.

The court also directed the authorities to issue an unconditional apology to the 65-year-old man, The New Indian Express reported.

The person accused of the crime, identified as Usman, worked as a contractor and allegedly raped the minor on April 12 after luring her with money, according to reports. A first information report was registered in the matter on Wednesday night under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and he was arrested.

Communal clashes broke out in the resort town on Wednesday night. A group of men from the Hindu community vandalised shops and eateries belonging to Muslims in the area where Usman’s office is located.

The mob also threw stones at a mosque, shouted anti-Pakistan slogans and damaged several vehicles, PTI had quoted unidentified police officers as saying.

In the demolition notice, the authorities had asked the man to remove allegedly illegal structures from his home within three days or face action, according to India Today. Several other persons in the area where the house is located also received the notice.

On Friday, the division bench of Chief Justice G Narender and Justice Ravindra Maithani said that it was “issuing contempt” and taking...

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