In a swift breakthrough, Kolkata Police on Monday rescued a five-year-old girl abducted from the Sinthi area and arrested three women, including a physics professor from a renowned city college, in connection with the case. The arrests have left investigators both astonished and suspicious, as the accused attempted to justify their actions with unusual claims.
“The child went missing three days ago while playing outside her home in Sinthi in east Kolkata. Her father lodged a complaint at the local police station, prompting an immediate investigation. Acting on intelligence inputs, officers raided a flat in south Kolkata’s Kasba and rescued the child, who was found unharmed,” said a police officer.
At the scene, police arrested 52-year-old Arunima Chanda, a physics professor, along with her relatives 44-year-old Anupama Chanda and Anushka Chanda Chowdhury, 20.
During interrogation, Arunima reportedly claimed she had taken the child “for her better future,” insisting she had previously sheltered children from sidewalks. She argued that the girl was neither confined nor harmed but had been brought home so she could raise her.
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Investigators, however, remain unconvinced. “The issue of keeping the child in the flat cannot be ignored. There may be motives beyond what the accused is claiming,” said a senior officer from Lalbazar police headquarters.
Police revealed that Arunima gave multiple conflicting statements. “At times she said she picked up the child to rescue her, at other times she admitted she needed the child for herself,” an officer added.
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The police also pointed out that as an educated woman, Arunima could have legally adopted a child if she truly wished to raise one. The silence of her relatives—who were aware that the professor had taken the child illegally—has further deepened suspicions of a possible conspiracy.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, (North Division) Deepak Sarkar confirmed the child’s safety and said, “The statements of the accused are being examined. The investigation is underway.” Investigators are now seeking custody of the arrested trio to probe deeper into their intentions. They also plan to speak with Arunima’s colleagues to ascertain whether she may have underlying mental health issues.
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