India: Tensions run high in Nagaland over lynching of rape suspect [GRAPHIC IMAGE]

Tensions continue to remain high in the north-eastern Indian state of Nagaland over the lynching of a rape suspect.

Protests are being held across the state against the incident in Dimapur district.

Thousands of people stormed a prison, dragged out Syed Sarif Uddin Khan and paraded him naked through the streets before lynching him for allegedly raping a Naga college girl.

Graphic images of the incident taken on mobile phones have been circulating on the internet.

The 28-year-old car dealer had been accused of sexually assaulting the 20-year-old tribal girl multiple times in February. He was arrested and sent to judicial custody.

The state government has suspended internet and mobile messaging services across the state in a bid to contain the situation.

Though mobile calling facilities have been restored, SMS services remain blocked.

"There has been no evidence to suggest the complicity of jail staff, but we will keep this point in mind. Curfew is still on and there is no movement of vehicles or people... We are in the process of identifying more people and we can expect several more arrests in the coming days," Nagaland's Inspector General (Range) Wabang Jamir told Indian news network NDTV.

Police have arrested 18 people in connection with the incident. There is heightened security across Nagaland and the federal government has also promised more assistance if needed.