Forensic team collects key evidence in Nainital child rape case

Nainital: Forensic experts on Sunday collected crucial evidence from a residence in Nainital on May 5 in connection with the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl that on April 12. The team inspected a garage and a car at the accused's home as part of the investigation under the Pocso Act.
Mohd Usman, 70, was named the prime accused in the FIR filed at Mallital police station on April 30. A team from the regional forensic science laboratory (RFSL), Rudrapur, visited his house with investigating officer Asha Bisht to carry out the evidence collection.
Samples were gathered from a car and a garage on the premises. Scientific officer Hemant Kumar said specialised tools, including light sources, sanitisers, and cotton swabs, were used in the process. He added that two more vehicles connected to the accused were yet to be examined. SP (crime) Jagdish Chandra told TOI that the findings would be central to the case. "The local forensic unit also contributed to today's operation, and all efforts are being made to ensure an effective investigation," he said.
Following the arrest of Usman, communal violence and vandalism erupted in Nainital, targeting properties owned by members of the minority community. Police registered an FIR against approximately 30 unidentified individuals involved in the unrest, which occurred on May 1 in the Gaadi Padav area near the Mallital police station .