A massive protest was staged outside the court in Malegaon town in Maharashtra's Nashik district on Friday over the alleged rape and murder of a four-year-old girl, with protesters demanding capital punishment for the arrested person.

A shutdown was observed in Malegaon, and a foot march was taken out by thousands of people. Some protesters, meanwhile, tried to enter the court premises, but were stopped by police personnel, officials said.

Separately, state minister Narhari Zirwal said the accused will be given the harshest punishment for the crime.

The Food and Drug Administration Minister on Friday visited the family members of the victim girl in a village in Malegaon taluka, accompanied by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange.

''This is a horrific crime. I will raise this matter in

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