Nainital: A picturesque hill town and a popular tourist spot of Uttarakhand, Nainital, witnessed 18 hours of relentless chaos as violent protests, vandalism, and clashes erupted following the alleged assault of a minor. What began as an outpouring of anger over a heinous crime soon escalated into full-blown communal unrest, leaving streets deserted, businesses shut, and the town’s tourism industry in shambles.
The turbulence began Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m., when news spread that Usman, an old contractor, had allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl. Within hours, fury gripped the town as angry mobs took to the streets, demanding swift justice. Tensions spiraled out of control as shops belonging to Muslim shopkeepers were vandalized, stones were hurled, and widespread looting ensued.
महज़ बारह साल की बच्ची से रेप के बाद उत्तराखंड के नैनीताल जिले के मल्लीताल में बवाल। उस्मान नाम के आरोपी को पुलिस ने रेप के आरोप में पकड़ा है। नाराज लोगों ने एक मस्जिद पर पथराव किया और दुकानों में तोड़फोड़ की।#HindusUnderAttack #Hinduism #hindu #Muslims #Uttarakhand #nainital… pic.twitter.com/OXxso10Gz9
— SANJAY TRIPATHI (@sanjayjourno) May 1, 2025
Unrest sparks mayhem in Nainital
On Wednesday, between 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Nainital’s normally peaceful streets became the epicenter of chaos. Protesters stormed Mallital, where a large number of shops were targeted, leaving businesses in ruins. As shopkeepers tried to defend their property, they were chased down and beaten by violent mobs. The town, once bustling with tourists, turned into a battleground of wrath and revenge.
Law enforcement struggles to control the violence
As the situation spiralled, a heavy police presence was deployed to restore order. Protesters, however, remained adamant in their demand for justice, surrounding the Mallital police station, insisting that the accused be handed over. Slogans like “Down with Pakistan” were shouted as crowds intensified their demonstrations.
In a desperate attempt to control the violence, police resorted to lathi charge, dispersing the crowd. Reports indicate that multiple people suffered injuries during the clashes. The riot spread over a 1 km radius, with destruction stretching from the bus stand to the police station, leaving residents in a state of fear.
The damage left behind
The effects of the violence were far-reaching. Vehicles were overturned, homes were damaged, and bricks were thrown into residences, terrifying families living near the Gaadi Padav market. Even religious sites were reportedly targeted, deepening communal tensions. Several videos of the violence circulated widely, prompting a sense of alarm among tourists, many of whom rushed to leave the town. In response, business owners declared Thursday a complete shutdown, with markets, schools, and offices closed.
Tourism takes a massive hit
The tourism industry—Nainital’s lifeline—has been devastated by the unrest. 50% of hotel bookings were cancelled overnight, with many businesses reporting severe financial setbacks. The president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association, Digvijay Bisht, condemned the crime and the ensuing violence, calling for strict punishment for the accused while lamenting the severe toll on local businesses. Boating operations in Naini Lake, along with taxi services, were halted, making the usually vibrant town eerily quiet.
जनपद नैनीताल में कानून व्यवस्था की स्थिति शांतिपूर्ण बनी हुई है।
नैनीताल शहर में लगातार रात्रि गश्त/ वाहनों से फ्लैग मार्च की जा रही है तथा जिलेभर में सघन चेकिंग अभियान चलाया जा रहा है, जिससे शांति और सुरक्षा बनी रहे।@uttarakhandcops pic.twitter.com/Y2aPRYabXP
— Nainital Police Uttarakhand (@nainitalpolice_) May 1, 2025
Legal action
Authorities swiftly arrested Usman, charging him under sections 65(1) and 351(2) of the rape and criminal intimidation Act, along with sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act. His medical reports have been submitted to court, and after counseling, the victim’s statement was recorded. Nainital police also appealed to the tourists not to cancel their bookings as situation is under control and police ensure safety and security of police.
High Court response
The Uttarakhand High Court took suo motu cognizance of the unrest, ordering enhanced police presence, strict monitoring of internet media, and security checks on incoming vehicles from neighbouring districts to prevent further escalations. The court’s intervention aims to ensure that a Haldwani-like situation does not unfold in Nainital. Meanwhile, presence of the accused in court infuriated the lawyers present in the court premises and they pounced on the accused. Amid arguments and jostling, the police took him to the courtroom. The accused was sent to jail in judicial custody for 14 days. Uttarakhand HC also questioned the Nainital police about violence in front of the policemen in Kotwali in Nainital.
Today, the police conducted a flag march, with participation from the police force, SSB, other armed units, and women, appealing to the public to help maintain peace. Since today is Friday, the police are taking special precautions to ensure a peaceful Jumme Ki Namaz.
