Surat Molestation Case Sparks Massive Protests, Police Lathicharge

Surat | Gujarat — Public outrage erupted in Surat after a shocking molestation incident involving a 12-year-old girl in the Althan area spiralled into hours of protests, stone pelting and police action late Friday night. What began as a desperate scream for help quickly turned into one of the most tense law-and-order situations the city has witnessed in recent months.

The minor girl was returning home from tuition near Atlanta Mall around 8:15 pm when a 35-40-year-old man allegedly molested her. According to locals, the girl’s screams drew immediate attention, and nearby residents rushed to the spot, catching the accused red-handed before police arrived.

In a burst of anger, the crowd thrashed the accused before handing him over to the police. However, the situation quickly escalated. Even after the emergency response team arrived, angry residents pulled the accused out of the vehicle and assaulted him again, reflecting the depth of public fury over the incident.

Three Hours of Siege Outside Police Station

Within hours, thousands gathered outside the Althan Police Station, turning the area into a flashpoint. Witnesses estimate that more than 4,000 people surrounded the police station, demanding strict punishment and stronger security for girls in the area.

As tensions peaked, police resorted to lathicharge to disperse the crowd. Several personnel were injured during the operation and were shifted to hospital for treatment. The situation remained volatile for nearly three hours, with slogans, protests and confrontations continuing late into the night.

A local resident said, “This anger is not sudden. Parents are scared every day when their daughters step out for tuition. This incident has shaken everyone.”

Reconstruction Sparks Fresh Tension

On Saturday, police brought the accused back to the crime scene for reconstruction, but the move reignited public anger. Hundreds of residents and community members gathered even before police arrived, making it difficult for officers to safely bring the accused to the site.

Women joined the protest in large numbers, shouting slogans and throwing slippers and stones when the accused was seen. Police formed a security cordon and rushed the accused away within minutes as the crowd grew uncontrollable. Women raised slogans such as ‘BJP Hai Hai’ and ‘Gujarat Police Hai Hai’. 

One resident, Hemangi Lungiwala, said, “The girl had been harassed for days before she finally raised her voice. Her courage will inspire many girls to speak up.”

Clashes, Stone Pelting and Vehicles Targeted

The protests soon turned violent, with stone pelting reported against police personnel and vehicles. The convoy of Nidhi Thakur was also surrounded by angry protesters, forcing officers to take an alternate route.

Locals from Varachha, Katargam, Kapodra and Sarthana—areas known for strong community networks—arrived in large numbers to support the protest. Many demanded exemplary punishment to deter future crimes.

Kantibhai Patel, a resident, said, “There are many tuition classes here, yet security is inadequate. The police must ensure strict punishment so that no one dares to commit such crimes again.”