Pratapgarh. Shops remained closed for several hours on Monday in Udaiyadih market under Patti police station limits following protests over an alleged attempt to sexually assault a seven-year-old girl. Traders demanded the immediate arrest of the accused and strict legal action.
Police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel were deployed in the area as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order. The market reopened around 12:30 pm after assurances from the Circle Officer.
According to police, the incident occurred on Saturday evening when the minor girl had stepped out of her house. A 32-year-old man allegedly attempted to assault her and fled after people rushed to the spot on hearing the child’s cries. An FIR has been registered based on a complaint filed by the victim’s family.
Police said multiple teams, including a special unit, have been formed to trace and arrest the accused. Search operations are underway in nearby areas.
Circle Officer Manoj Kumar Singh Raghuvanshi said efforts are being made to arrest the accused at the earliest and that the situation remains under control.