Accused’s face blackened, paraded through streets
Munish Sood
MANDI:
The Sundernagar police in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh have registered a case under the POCSO Act, stalking, assault and obstruction of government duty after a shocking incident on Wednesday (November 6, 2025) night, in which a youth was caught allegedly stalking a minor schoolgirl for several days and was almost lynched by locals.
The case, which triggered massive public outrage and chaos in the town, continues to dominate local discussions a day after as the police maintained heightened security across the area.
Sundernagar DSP Bharat Bhushan confirmed early Thursday morning that the accused, Abbas, had been booked under serious charges, including provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
“An investigation is being carried out from all angles. We have taken the matter very seriously and no one will be allowed to disturb peace or take the law into their own hands,” the DSP said.
Following the registration of the FIR, the police have deployed additional forces across sensitive locations of Sundernagar and urged citizens to refrain from spreading rumours on social media.
Shocking incident that sparked public outrage
On Wednesday evening, residents of Sundernagar’s main town area caught the man allegedly stalking the 13-year-old girl. According to eyewitnesses, the accused had been following the girl in his Fortuner SUV daily after school, creating fear in her family.
The girl’s parents, suspecting his movements, decided to confront him. When the man appeared near their residence again, locals surrounded his vehicle. The accused reportedly engaged in a heated argument with the girl’s father, which quickly escalated into a physical scuffle.
Soon, a crowd gathered at the spot, dragged the accused out of the SUV and beat him up. In a wave of anger, the mob blackened his face and paraded him through the street before handing him over to the police.
Chaos erupts at police station
What followed later at night was even more tense. As the word spread, several people from the accused’s community reached the Sundernagar police station, demanding his release. Eyewitnesses said that some individuals entered the investigation officer’s room and clashed with the girl’s relatives inside the premises.
The sudden altercation created panic inside the police station, forcing officers to intervene. The gates were immediately shut and reinforcements called in. The police managed to restore order after dispersing both groups.
Authorities have since deployed extra personnel around key locations, including the police station and nearby localities. The DSP confirmed that the situation is “fully under control”.
Senior officials have instructed the force to maintain communal harmony and prevent the spread of misinformation. Residents have been urged not to share unverified social media posts and to immediately report any attempt to provoke unrest.
The victim’s family, still shaken by the events, has demanded strict punishment for the accused. “Our daughter was terrified for days. We only want justice and safety for her,” said the girl’s father.
