By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
The homestay allegedly used in the gang rape of a 16-year-old minor girl in Haldwani was sealed on Saturday, while the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged protests in Dehradun and Haldwani demanding strict action against all those involved in the crime.
SSP Nainital Manjunath TC said a joint team of the police and district administration sealed the entire premises of Trishul Homestay in the Mukhani area for allegedly providing accommodation to the minor girl without verifying her identity documents and for its alleged use in a POCSO offence.
Legal proceedings against the homestay management for operating irregularities and other violations are also underway, the SSP said.
Manjunath TC said the police would follow a zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women and children and take strict action against both the perpetrators and those providing them shelter.
Earlier, police arrested four accused in connection with the case on Friday within six hours after the crime. They have been identified as Dheeraj Bisht, Nitin Pal, Ansh Khatri and Himanshu Gouni.
Bisht is reportedly associated with ABVP and had contested the recent MBPG College students’ union election in Haldwani as the organisation’s candidate for the president’s post, but lost the election. However, ABVP leaders clarified on Saturday that he was not currently holding any position or responsibility in the organisation.
According to the complaint lodged by the victim’s family with the police late Thursday night, the accused allegedly threatened and intimidated the minor girl before taking her to the homestay in Mukhani area, where they allegedly sexually assaulted her.
Meanwhile, ABVP organised protests in Dehradun and Haldwani on Saturday, burnt effigies of the accused and demanded stringent legal action against all those involved. The organisation condemned the incident and demanded speedy justice for the victim. They also lauded quick action by the police in the case.
ABVP leaders also called for a thorough investigation into the role of all the accused, including Bisht, and strict punishment for those found guilty.
ABVP Uttarakhand state secretary Yashwant Panwar said the incident involving the minor girl was extremely unfortunate and condemnable. No leniency should be shown towards anyone involved in such a serious crime, he said.
Panwar demanded swift and impartial action by the administration and said ABVP would extend all possible support to ensure justice for the victim.