AGRA: A Dalit teenager, a student of class 8, was allegedly sexually harassed on her way to school by a local youth in

village of

police jurisdiction on Saturday morning. The man, identified as

alias

Khan, 25, also fired at people who tried to save the girl. He was arrested under sections 354A (Sexual harassment and punishment for sexual harassment) and 336 (Act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the IPC, relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSCO) act, and the SC/ST act.

According to investigation officer of the case, senior sub inspector

, “Shakir used to pass lewd comments at the minor girl hailing from

on her way to school. On Saturday, she was going to school with her younger brother when the accused forcibly grabbed her hand. The girl slapped her and Shakir, angered, dragged her inside his home and molested her. When her brother shouted for help, local residents rushed to the spot but Shakir’s elder brother Aman Khan and friend

stopped them. Shakir then emerged with a country-made pistol and fired shots at the local residents, which triggered panic among them.”

The incident gave rise to communal tension in the village, dominated by Dalits and Muslims, with people demanding the youth’s arrest. The accused was nabbed later in the day. According to police, the situation at the place is currently under control.