Mumbai: A security guard has been arrested after he allegedly sexually assaulted an eight-year-old girl inside a restroom in south Mumbai's Pydhonie area, an incident that triggered widespread outrage, street protests and heightened police security in the locality.

The alleged assault came to light after the child was taken to hospital for treatment, following which her family approached the police. Officers registered a case on Sunday and arrested the accused soon afterwards. The investigation is underway, with police examining all aspects of the case.

Public anger spilled onto the streets as hundreds of local residents gathered outside the Pydhonie police station, demanding swift justice and the strictest punishment for the accused. Protesters raised slogans and urged authorities to ensure that the case is fast-tracked.

The protest intensified when Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar visited the police station after learning about the incident. Eyewitnesses said demonstrators surrounded the Speaker and pressed for immediate and stringent action against the accused.

For a brief period, protesters blocked the road outside the police station, disrupting traffic in the area before police dispersed the crowd and restored normal movement. Authorities have since deployed additional personnel in Pydhonie to prevent any untoward incident and maintain law and order.

The case also sparked political reactions. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar termed the alleged assault "outrageous" and said the incident had once again highlighted the urgent need for speedy justice in crimes against children.

Referring to the recent Nasrapur rape and murder case in Pune district, where a court convicted a 65-year-old man and awarded him a triple death sentence within 60 days, Pawar said swift disposal of such cases should become the norm rather than the exception.

He also renewed his demand for the implementation of the proposed Shakti Act, arguing that stricter legal provisions and faster trials are essential to strengthen deterrence against crimes targeting women and children. Pawar said he had raised the issue during the recently concluded Maharashtra legislature session and urged the state government to act without delay.

With PTI inputs