Hooghly district in West Bengal was rocked on Thursday evening after a 16-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted inside a closed factory. Police have arrested two men in connection with the case, while local political leaders have raised concerns over the main accused’s claimed political affiliation.
The prime suspect, identified as Dipankar Adhikari, reportedly told authorities that he was a local TMC leader and civic volunteer. However, both the police and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) have denied his claim.
Police said the girl had entered the factory with a friend when Adhikari and two associates allegedly confronted them. The friend was reportedly forced to leave the site, after which the minor was assaulted.
“A case has been filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Two people were arrested and produced before the Serampore court. The medical checkup of the minor has been done, and the investigation is ongoing. We are also investigating whether any other accused were present there or not,” said a senior police officer from Hooghly.
Opposition Blame TMC
Opposition leaders have claimed that at least two more individuals were involved and demanded their immediate arrest. CPI(M) activists staged a dharna outside the local police station, alleging that earlier complaints, including an extortion case against Adhikari, had not been acted upon.
“Everybody knows the main accused is a local TMC leader. He has been acting with impunity for many days, and this has led to such an incident. It is unacceptable,” said BJP leader Indranil Dutta.
Local TMC representatives rejected all allegations of political backing. “Some people falsely claim proximity to the party for personal gain. If anyone commits a crime, the police will act and the law will take its course. Our party will not tolerate criminals,” said TMC leader Kalachand Banerjee.
Police continue to probe the incident, looking into whether additional individuals were involved and examining the circumstances surrounding the assault.
