Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh:

A 70-year-old Muslim cleric has sparked outrage in Kanpur after being caught on video attempting to rape a 7-year-old girl. The incident occurred on Friday, August 9, in the city's Maqbara locality.

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The accused, identified as Maulana Mukhtar, reportedly lured the young girl from his neighbourhood with toffees and chocolates, convincing her to accompany him to his home. A neighbour, suspicious of the cleric's actions, followed them and witnessed the horrific act through a window. The onlooker recorded the incident on his mobile phone and alerted the local community, as reported by ABP News.

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Community reaction

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The locals intervened, catching the cleric in the act and thrashing him before notifying the police. Despite Mukhtar's pleas for mercy, the girl's family courageously reported the incident, refusing to be silenced.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, especially among parents. Although the police quickly arrived and secured the area, the cleric managed to escape through a back door. Police arrived at the scene and set up several teams to search for the fleeing cleric. By Monday afternoon, the cleric was arrested. The police and officers took statements from the victim and his family and conducted a medical exam.

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As per locals, the cleric may have previously engaged in similar misconduct with other children in the area. Each time, these incidents were reportedly suppressed, preventing any formal action from being taken. The cleric's influential position and the fear he commanded within the community contributed to a culture of silence among residents, who chose not to come forward with their concerns.

ACP Colonelganj Mahesh Kumar assured that the cleric will face strict punishment, as these incidents harm society's trust. 

(With inputs from agencies)