A 14-year-old girl in Durgapur, West Bengal, has reportedly been the victim of a gang rape after being lured from her home, drugged, and taken to a hotel, according to local police. Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, including the woman who allegedly coaxed the girl away and the manager of the hotel where the crime occurred. One suspect is still at large.

Details of the Incident

The alleged occurrence took place on a Saturday, as detailed in a complaint filed by the victim’s father. He reported that a woman, identified as Simran Tamang, convinced his daughter to accompany her from their residence. The father claims that once they departed, the girl was taken in a vehicle where she was forced to consume a drink that contained an intoxicating substance. After losing consciousness, she was transported to the Kaviguru area of Durgapur, specifically to the hotel.

Allegations of Assault

At the hotel, it is alleged that the minor was sexually assaulted by multiple individuals, including two named suspects, Raj Mallik and Sheikh Azharuddin, along with others present. Following the incident, the suspects reportedly abandoned the girl near a bypass before fleeing the scene. Later that evening, an e-rickshaw driver discovered her in a distressed state and took her back to her home, where her family quickly became aware of the horrific incident and rushed her to a local hospital. She is currently receiving treatment in Bidhannagar.

Investigation and Arrests

According to her father, the girl was taken from their home around 1:30 PM and found in an intoxicated condition several hours later. He has urged the Chief Minister to ensure severe consequences for all those involved, expressing a desire for the harshest punishment, including the possibility of capital punishment. Following the report, local police initiated an investigation and executed searches in the vicinity, with a forensic team collecting evidence from the alleged crime scene and the hotel.

Police Response

Praveen Kumar, the Police Commissioner of Asansol-Durgapur, confirmed that four individuals have been apprehended thus far. This includes the woman accused of luring the girl and the manager of the hotel. Search operations are still ongoing for the remaining suspect. The commissioner added that a medical examination of the victim has been conducted and forensic evidence is being gathered as part of the continuing investigation.

Political Reactions

The incident has ignited widespread outrage in the local community. BJP leader Parijat Ganguly visited the hospital at the invitation of local party members, where he met with the family of the victim. He called for stringent punishment from the state government and police administration, describing the actions of the suspects as “beyond tolerance.” Ganguly further emphasized the need for immediate punitive measures against the accused to instill fear of the law among potential criminals.

Community Trust in Law Enforcement

Ganguly clarified that he does not believe the police are attempting to suppress the case, indicating that they are actively pursuing the suspects. He complimented the Chief Minister, who also holds the position of the state’s police minister, for granting full authority to the police to locate the perpetrators. The victim’s family has expressed confidence in the law enforcement system to address this grave situation.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share