Sundernagar, Mandi District: Tensions flared in Sundernagar town of Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district on Wednesday night following an alleged attempt by a man from the minority community to kidnap a 13-year-old girl from another community. The incident triggered a violent confrontation between locals and the accused, leading to multiple police complaints and a temporary breakdown of public order.

According to police sources, the 38-year-old married man had reportedly been stalking the minor girl for several days. On Wednesday, he allegedly arrived in an SUV near the girl’s residence and attempted to abduct her. The girl’s family intervened immediately, resulting in an altercation with the accused. Locals quickly gathered at the scene, subdued the man, blackened his face, and handed him over to the police. The confrontation also caused a traffic jam in the area as onlookers gathered at the site.

The incident led to the registration of three separate FIRs. The first FIR was lodged against the man accused of attempting to abduct the minor, under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The vehicle used in the attempt has also been impounded by the police.

While the police were recording statements from the girl’s family and other witnesses, relatives and supporters of the accused reportedly entered the police station and created a disturbance. They allegedly misbehaved with the people accompanying the girl’s father, escalating the situation further. Additional police personnel were called in to restore order, and the situation was eventually brought under control.

The second FIR has been registered against the relatives of the accused for creating a ruckus at the police station, while the third FIR was filed against those who physically assaulted the accused at the scene. The accused is scheduled to be produced in court on Thursday.

Sundernagar Deputy Superintendent of Police Bharat Bhusan confirmed the registration of the three FIRs and stated that the police are taking measures to maintain communal harmony while the investigation proceeds. Authorities are also monitoring the situation closely to prevent any further escalation.

The incident highlights the volatile nature of communal relations in the area, with tensions exacerbated by allegations of criminal activity. Police officials have urged residents to remain calm and allow law enforcement to handle the matter within the framework of the law.

This episode serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public order during incidents involving sensitive communal and social dynamics. The authorities have assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted to ensure justice for the victim and to hold all offenders accountable under the law.