In Umargam, a complete shutdown was observed Aug 28 over the rape of a three-year-old girl by a young man.

The town expressed its outrage through shutdown and protests. Thousands of people, including women, participated in a rally. 

When the police attempted to stop the rally, the protesters caused a significant disruption, leading to a ‘lathi charge’ by police.

Business activities across Umargam were halted. Shops, hotels, and street vendors were closed. Auto-rickshaws, school buses, and other vehicles also stopped operating. The traders’ association in Khattalwada village also strongly condemned the incident, and shops were closed in protest.

Vehicles set on fire amidst protests

Thousands gathered and staged a protest at the police station, demanding severe action against the accused. The crowd stormed Umargam, setting fire to motorcycles and auto-rickshaws and vandalizing several shops in their rage.

Protesters sat-in at police station demanding arrest

The crowd created significant unrest and refused to leave until the accused was detained by the police. Tensions rose with altercations between the police and the protesters. The protesters remained at the police station until late at night, only dispersing after the accused was apprehended.

Accused arrested in Maharashtra

The accused was apprehended in Maharashtra's Palghar district from a train at Palghar railway station.

Despite the arrest, the protests continued. On Aug 28, Umargam remained shut in protest, with all businesses, hotels, and street vendors closed. Auto-rickshaws, school vehicles, and other forms of transportation were also disrupted. 

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