Protests in MP's Raisen over rape of 6-year-old girl, locals block NH-45; SP removed

Representative image

Protests were held in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday over the rape of a six-year-old girl even as multiple police teams continue to search for the accused, who is still at large.

The girl was allegedly raped by a 23-year-old man on November 21. The accused was identified as Salman. This incident has sparked massive outrage across the district.

According to a report by News18, the accused allegedly lured the minor, while she was playing outside her home, into a nearby jungle by promising her chocolate and raped her. He abandoned the child in the forest in a serious condition.

Locals — including women and students — held demonstrations and blocked National Highway-45, demanding the immediate arrest of Salman and stringent action against him. The protest led to traffic congestion, prompting police to use force to disperse the crowd while assuring swift action. Women’s groups have continued their dharnas outside police stations, vowing to remain there until an arrest is made.
Market, schools shut

As per the report, markets in Mandideep and Obedullaganj in the district remained closed, while some schools in the region declared holidays. Parents were informed that buses on the Mandideep–Obedullaganj route would remain suspended, and several private schools in Goharganj and Obedullaganj stayed closed. Multiple organisations have called for a complete bandh in the region, Bhaskar English reported.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav criticised the police for failing to arrest the accused and, on Tuesday night, ordered the removal of Raisen district superintendent of police (SP) Pankaj Pandey.

Later that night, Chief Minister Yadav chaired a high-level emergency meeting on law and order at the Police Headquarters (PHQ) in Bhopal, where he expressed dissatisfaction with the police’s handling of the case.

The public continues to insist on the immediate arrest of the perpetrator, maintaining protests despite repeated assurances from authorities. The incident has intensified scrutiny of the police response and raised serious questions about accountability in cases involving crimes against children.

Authorities now face mounting pressure to act quickly, with the district administration and police working to maintain order while ensuring the safety of demonstrators.