Opposition parties, led by the Congress, staged protests across Uttarakhand on Thursday over the alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old Class 10 student in Champawat. The protests, which were held in several cities including Dehradun, Srinagar, and Uttarkashi, accused the BJP government of failing to ensure women's safety and alleged links between the accused and the ruling party.

The alleged crime took place in Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's constituency, prompting questions about the state of women's safety in Uttarakhand.

According to the police, the survivor had gone to attend a friend's mehndi ceremony on May 5 when she was allegedly assaulted by three persons. Her family has named a BJP local circle vice-president, a former village head, and a student in the FIR.

Champawat SSP Rekha Yadav stated that investigations found 'conspiracy' to frame the named accused, and a 10-member Special Investigation Team was formed to investigate the case. The police reported discrepancies in witness statements and evidence, including a lack of clear external or internal injuries, signs of struggle, or evidence of force.

The case will likely be closely monitored, with the Opposition demanding action against the accused and the BJP government facing criticism over women's safety in the state. The police will continue to investigate the case, and further developments are expected in the coming days.