Five more youths were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the molestation of two girls in Rampur district whose video had gone viral on social media.
One of the accused surrendered before the police following which he was arrested, while the other youths were apprehended in raids were carried out in various areas here, SHO Tanda Rampal Singh Bhati said.
The total number of those arrested has reached ten. The case was registered against 14 youths, the police said.
The youths have been sent to jail after being produced before Chief Judicial Magistrate Pramod Kumar.
The matter will now be presented before the CJM on 9 June.
Meanwhile, members of the Hindu Mahasangh staged a rally in front of the office of the superintendent of police demanding immediate arrest of the remaining youths.
In the video, around 12 to 14 men can be seen molesting the two girls. While the girls beg to be spared, the boys can be heard making jokes and filming the incident for social media.
A police probe is underway in the matter.
‘Keep Your Women Indoors’
Reacting to news of the incident, Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan told ANI that girls should avoid going to such areas. After the Bulandshahr incident, men should keep their women indoors, he said.
“Ladkiyon ko bhi aisi jagahon par nahi jaani chahiye jahan besharmi ka nanga naach hota hai... Bulandshahr ke haadse ke baad har sakhs ko kamse kam apni ghar ki aurat ko, koshish karna chahiye ghar mein rakhen".
He also said that the incident did not come as a surprise as it was the latest in a series of crimes that the state had witnessed under the new government. After assuming office in March, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched 'Anti-Romeo' squads – aimed at curbing eve-teasing in public areas and to ensure the safety of girls in the state.
(With inputs from ANI)
Video Editor: Vivek Gupta
Tune in to Quint Live on Facebook & YouTube – Khabar, Sports, Bollywood – Strictly Live!
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)