South 24 Parganas has once again come under scrutiny following an allegation of sexual assault of a 62-year-old woman in the Bakultala area of Jaynagar, South 24 Parganas. The incident has triggered protests among local residents, who are demanding stringent punishment for the accused.
According to police sources, the alleged incident occurred on Sunday evening when the elderly woman went to a banana grove behind her residence to collect banana blossoms. It is alleged that the accused took advantage of the secluded location and assaulted her. When the victim screamed for help, nearby residents rushed toward the area, but the accused reportedly fled before they could intervene.
The woman was found unconscious in the banana grove. She was rescued and taken to a local hospital before being shifted to Baruipur Sub-divisional Hospital for advanced medical treatment on doctors’ advice.
District Superintendent of Police Arabinda Kumar Anand confirmed that swift action was taken following the complaint. “A suspect has been detained and is being interrogated. All angles of the case are under investigation, and if evidence suggests the involvement of others, appropriate legal action will be taken,” he said.
Police have recorded the victim’s statement, which forms the basis of the ongoing investigation.
The incident has sparked widespread anger and anxiety in the locality. Residents allege that the banana grove has long been a hotspot for anti-social activities. Despite repeated complaints to authorities, they claim no action was taken.
Local resident Tapas Das expressed outrage, stating, “Such incidents are extremely shameful. We want strict action not only against the accused in this case but also against those who enable such an environment. The police must ensure swift arrest and exemplary punishment.”
The incident occurred in the same district where a minor girl was allegedly raped and murdered earlier this month, triggering widespread outrage across the state. The case escalated dramatically, leading to the lynching of a local youth, whom Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari later described as innocent. In a further controversial development, one of the accused arrested in connection with the crime was killed in a police encounter. According to officials, the suspect allegedly snatched a firearm from a police personnel and opened fire during the reconstruction of the crime, prompting retaliatory action.
As investigations continue, the area remains tense, with residents demanding accountability and stronger measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Also read: Bay of Bengal depression triggers rain alert across Odisha
Follow us
