New Delhi (CNN) Indian authorities on Sunday arrested the main suspect in the alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old girl who was later burned to death, the latest in a string of high-profile attacks on women to have shocked India in recent weeks.

The suspect, who police have named as Dhanu Bhuiyan, is among 20 men accused of participating in the alleged incident in the northeastern state of Jharkhand.

The case, which follows two alleged unrelated attacks on an eight-year-old girl and another 16-year-old, comes amid growing public outrage over the treatment of women and children.

In late April, thousands of people took to the streets across the country to protest against sexual violence, in some of the largest mass demonstrations held in the country since the rape and murder of a female college student in Delhi in 2012.

In an apparent attempt to ward off further protests, local police in Jharkhand have moved swiftly, detaining 15 people in connection to the latest case, including the local village chief.

Indian demonstrators hold placards during a silent protest 'Not In My Name' in support of rape victims following a string of high-profile cases, New Delhi, April 15, 2018.