Pics by Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Jul 30: Tension gripped Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar slum in Pant Nagar, Ghatkopar (E), after residents called a bandh in protest against the rape of a minor Dalit girl in the area. While a 15-year-old was arrested on charges of rape and sent to Dongri Children’s Home on Wednesday morning, the police had to impose a bandobast as a precautionary measure.

The police said the incident took place on July 24 when the accused, who is from outside the community, took the girl out. The two were neighbours and knew each other. “He took her to a transit camp area within the slum and allegedly raped her. After she returned home, she complained of pain and her mother took her to a doctor who confirmed rape,” said deputy commissioner of police, zone 7, Sanjay Shintre.

“The parents were hesitant to lodge a complaint, fearing humiliation as the accused was their neighbour’s son. However, with the support of local activists, they finally lodged a complaint with the Pant Nagar police on Wednesday, and the accused was arrested from his house,” said Shintre.

“Some of the groups called a bandh on Wednesday night. The police imposed bandobast in the area. Though the shops in the area remained closed on Thursday morning, the situation was normal,” said Shintre.

A senior police inspector with five police inspectors and 90 personnel were deployed besides homeguards, three patrolling mobile vans and a SRPF and Delta platoon each.