Minor raped in Kashmir, protesters burn accused's house

A five-year-old was allegedly raped by a youth in Anantnag district of south Kashmir, sparking violent protests during which the house of the accused was torched today, official sources said.

Arif Bhat, 20, lured his minor neighbour to a secluded place in village Chatergul last evening and raped her, sources said.

The victim later narrated the incident to her parents who immediately lodged a complaint with police.

The man was arrested as the medical examination of the girl confirmed sexual assault, sources said.

Sources said the protest of villagers against the incident later turned violent and the house of the youth was attacked.

Protesters ransacked the house before setting it on fire, they said, adding senior civil and police officers had rushed to the village to take stock of the situation and restore law and order.

Additional police and paramilitary forces have also been deployed in the village as a precautionary measure.