Malda, 06 July (H.S.): A serious case of rape of a minor girl has come to light in Englishbazar police station area of the district. The victim has been admitted to Malda Medical College and Hospital in critical condition, while the accused youth has been arrested by police. The accused has been identified as Sheikh Rabiul (30).

According to police sources, the victim, a resident of the Jadupur area of Englishbazar, and the accused live in the same neighbourhood. As per the victim's family's complaint, no one was present at the accused's house on Sunday afternoon. Taking advantage of this opportunity, he allegedly lured the Class 6 student to his house on some pretext and sexually assaulted her there. Following the incident, the minor girl returned home alone. Family members questioned her after noticing her deteriorating physical condition, following which the entire matter came to light. Given the seriousness of her condition, she was immediately admitted to Malda Medical College. Meanwhile, the accused fled to Bihar. After the family lodged a written complaint, police formed a special team to track him down and, with the help of technical surveillance, apprehended him from Purnia district in Bihar on Sunday night itself.

On Monday, the accused was produced before the Malda district court, with police seeking his remand in custody.

In this regard, Additional Superintendent of Police of Malda, Maqsood Hasan, said that upon receiving the complaint, a special team was promptly formed and the accused was arrested from Bihar. He added that efforts would be made to ensure a speedy trial in the case so that the guilty is given strict punishment.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey