Protests by pro-Hindu groups against the alleged rape and murder of a 19-year-old woman in Bidar ended in a lathi charge by the police after they were denied permission to hold the demonstration.
On January 27, 22-year-old Shamsuddin allegedly raped and murdered the college student on the outskirts of Kosam village in Bidar.
On Monday, a protest called by Akhila Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), an affiliate of the RSS, saw thousands of people including students turn out to demand justice for the victim.
A day later, thousands of protesters gathered at Ambedkar Circle in the town on Tuesday morning to protest the gruesome killing. The protest this time around was called by members of pro-Hindu groups including VHP, Bajrang Dal, Sri Rama Sene among others.
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The protesters gathered at 7 am and protested till noon. Shops were shut down in the town and transport services including buses and autos were affected.
However, Devraj D, Superintendent of Police, Bidar denied permission for the protest. The situation became tense when police personnel arrived at the scene of the protest.
Members of the Hindu groups decided to make their way to the DC's Office to demand permission to stage protests when police lathi charged the protesters.
In the chaos that ensued, 15 protesters were injured while few police vehicles were also damaged leading to the police lathi charging protesters once again.
Shamsuddin reportedly met the victim near Kosam village and allegedly raped her when she rejected his advances. He then murdered her by slitting her throat, say the police.
After committing the crime, the man informed the victim's family and allegedly confessed to the crime at Dhannura police station. He later led the police to the spot for recovery of the victim's body.