In a shocking incident from West Bengal’s Purulia district, seven individuals have been arrested for the abduction and gangrape of a 17-year-old girl. Senior police officials confirmed the development on Monday, highlighting yet another case of violence against minors in the region.
The incident unfolded on Friday evening when the teenager left her home in Purulia town to visit a friend’s place. As hours passed without her return, her family grew anxious. The father promptly lodged a missing person complaint at Purulia Sadar Police Station, triggering an immediate investigation.
Police teams sprang into action, and miraculously, the girl was rescued the same night. During interrogation, she recounted the horrifying ordeal: a group of seven to eight youths abducted her from the street, dragged her to a field near railway tracks, and subjected her to brutal gangrape.
Following the assault, the victim managed to escape and return home, alerting authorities. She was rushed to a hospital for medical examination, and her statement formed the basis for intensive raids across multiple locations.
By Sunday, police had nabbed all seven suspects. One fell ill and was hospitalized, while the remaining six were produced before the Purulia district court and remanded to seven days of judicial custody. The ailing accused will face court once recovered.
A senior Purulia police officer stated, ‘We acted swiftly on credible leads. The perpetrators will face the full force of the law under POCSO Act.’ Meanwhile, the minor’s confidential statement is scheduled before a magistrate on Monday.
This case underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures for young girls in rural Bengal, as communities demand stricter policing and faster justice.