Kolkata: Two minors, barely in their teens, were allegedly sexually harassed after being confined to a house in Sarsuna on Thursday late evening. The two accused were previously known to them.
Locals launched a search operation after the two minors went missing and rescued them from a locality not far from their respective houses. One suspect was arrested while another remains at large.
The incident was reported around 9 pm on Thursday, some time after the victims, both aged 12, left their homes to play in the neighbourhood. They were found in a house near the Chandrapally auto stand.
Police arrested Biswajit Pal, also known as Sukhen, a resident of Shashibhushan Road in Thakurpukur, on Friday. The second suspect, identified only as Kalu, has evaded arrest. Both suspects were charged under sections 8 and 10 of Pocso Act. The victims' parents have refused to allow their children to undergo the necessary medical tests till reports last came in. Police said they were arranging for the confidential statement of the girls to be recorded in court. "We will seek Biswajit Pal's custody. We need to question the accused to try and nab his accomplice," said a senior police offier who requested anonymity.
The case has sparked concerns among residents about the safety of children in the area. Community leaders have called for increased police patrolling during evening hours, especially around playgrounds where hundreds of children gather to play in the evening. "We have been told that the children were in trauma. We hope that the accused will be arrested soon," said a local community representative. The police have formed special teams to locate and apprehend the absconding suspect. They are gathering CCTV footage from the surrounding areas.