Horrific Crime in West Bengal: 4-Year-Old Abducted and Assaulted
A shocking case of child abduction and rape has left West Bengal in outrage after a 4-year-old girl was attacked in Nadia district, 100 km from Kolkata. The incident occurred late Tuesday night in Chapra while the toddler slept beside her grandmother. The accused, 25-year-old Sahidul Islam, was arrested within hours, but the brutality of the crime has reignited demands for stronger child protection laws.
How the Kidnapping Happened
Police reports reveal the family was asleep when the accused entered their home unnoticed around midnight. The grandmother did not wake as Islam allegedly took the child away. The family discovered her missing early Wednesday, sparking a desperate search.
Villagers found the girl unconscious near a pond, partially clothed and with severe injuries. She was rushed to a local hospital before being transferred to Kolkata. Medical reports confirmed sexual assault, leaving the community in shock.
Accused Arrested, But Public Anger Grows
Police arrested Islam swiftly, relying on witness statements and evidence. A neighbor known to the family, he reportedly confessed, blaming alcohol for his actions.
Despite the quick arrest, protests erupted in Chapra, with locals demanding harsher punishments for child predators and improved rural policing. Many questioned how the crime could occur undetected, highlighting systemic failures.
Political and Activist Reactions
Opposition leaders criticized West Bengal’s ruling TMC government, accusing it of failing to protect children. A BJP spokesperson stated, “Crimes against minors are rising, yet the administration remains inactive.”
Child rights groups urged stricter POCSO Act enforcement. “The culprit must face maximum punishment,” emphasized a Kolkata NGO representative.
Family’s Trauma and Demand for Justice
The victim’s father, a daily wage laborer, expressed devastation: “We trusted our neighbors. How could this happen?” The family seeks swift justice, fearing prolonged legal delays.
Child Safety Crisis in India
This case underscores India’s ongoing battle against child sexual abuse, particularly in rural areas with weak policing and awareness. Experts stress the need for community vigilance, sex education, and faster trials.
Next Steps
Police promise a fast-tracked trial, but past cases show justice often stalls. The focus remains on the girl’s recovery and systemic reforms to prevent future tragedies.
—Reporting by NextMinuteNews
