A Class VIII tribal girl was allegedly abducted and gang-raped in South Dinajpur district’s Kushmandi area on Tuesday evening while returning home with her family after attending a local fair organised for Lakshmi Puja.
Police said six youths allegedly dragged the girl away from the group and assaulted her in a nearby forest. Her family later found her unconscious and severely injured before rushing her to the Kushmandi Primary Health Centre. She was subsequently shifted to Gangarampur Subdivisional Hospital for further treatment.
Following a complaint lodged by the family, police arrested five accused, including a 16-year-old minor, while one remains absconding. A case has been registered under several sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Gangarampur Sub-Divisional Police Officer Dipanjan Bhattacharya confirmed the arrests and said, “A complaint was filed by the minor’s family following the incident in the tribal-dominated village. We have arrested five people so far. One accused is absconding and search operations are being conducted in several areas to trace him.”
On Thursday, four of the accused were produced before the Gangarampur Subdivisional Court, while the minor was presented before the Juvenile Court. The survivor’s statement was recorded before a magistrate the same day.
Police are investigating whether the accused were known to the girl or her family and if there were any political or local connections involved.
The girl’s family, meanwhile, has demanded the strictest punishment for the culprits.
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In West Bengal, individuals affected by sexual violence can seek confidential counselling, legal guidance, and medical assistance through the following helplines and support organisations:
West Bengal Women’s Helpline (181)
Available 24×7 across the state.
Offers emotional support, legal guidance, and connects victims to local counsellors and shelter homes.
Kolkata Police Women’s Helpline – 1091
For immediate help within Kolkata and nearby areas.
Police assistance and referral to counsellors or NGOs.
State Commission for Women, West Bengal
📞 (033) 2321-3024 / 2321-3029
Provides counselling, legal support, and intervention in police cases.
Swayam (NGO, Kolkata)
📞 (033) 2486-5375 / 98300-96510
🌐 www.swayam.info
Offers trauma counselling, legal aid, and rehabilitation for survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
Sanlaap (NGO, Kolkata)
📞 (033) 2463-5163 / 98300-99715
🌐 www.sanlaapindia.org
Provides crisis counselling, shelter, and rehabilitation support for survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking.
Childline (1098) – For minors
24-hour emergency helpline for children in distress, including survivors of sexual abuse.
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