The brutal gang rape and murder of an 8‑year old girl has sparked outrage and anger across India.

The body of the girl, who belonged to a Muslim nomadic tribe, was found in a forest on 17th January near Kathua city of Indian‑administered Kashmir.

However, Hindu right‑wing groups protested over the arrest of eight Hindu men who allegedly raped the girl.

The men the police have arrested include a retired government official, four police officers and a minor and all of them belong to a local Hindu community that has been involved in a land dispute with the Muslim nomads.

Outrage grew after two ministers from the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party attended a rally in support of the accused men.

The crime took place in one of India's most restive regions.

Investigators believe that the accused men wished to force the nomads out of Jammu. After they were arrested, lawyers in Jammu city tried to stop police entering the court to file a charge sheet.

[Source: bbc.com]