A distressing case of abduction and forced religious conversion has come to light from Paschim Medinipur district in West Bengal. A minor Hindu girl (15 years old) has been kidnapped and coerced into conversion. Despite a complaint, lodged by the victim’s family, the police have shown little activity, likely due to the abductor’s relation to a prominent figure within the ruling TMC (Trinamool Congress) party. Additionally, the High Court has ordered the Police to provide necessary security for the girl’s family.
The accused has been identified as Asibur Rahman.
According to the information received, the young Hindu girl resided in Maligram village, which falls under the jurisdiction of Pingla Police Station in Paschim Medinipur district. On June 18, she went missing from Namchi in Sikkim. Her father promptly filed a missing person report with Namchi Police Station. Subsequently, he lodged an abduction case with Pingla Police Station in Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal. Regrettably, the Police response remained inexplicably inactive.
In a bid to reclaim his daughter, Tapan Sashmal, the victim’s father submitted a petition to the Calcutta High Court.
Tapan Sashmal has made serious allegations, stating, “The abductor, Asibur Rahman, is closely related to a high-ranking leader within the ruling TMC party. Asibur had threatened to take my daughter. In an effort to ensure her safety, I sent her to Sikkim, where her uncle is employed. However, it was from there that Asibur Rahman abducted my daughter. Despite filing a complaint, Pingla Police have taken no action to locate her. I fear she may have been subjected to forced conversion. All I want is my daughter back.”
During the petition hearing, Justice Tapobrata Chakraborty and Justice Parthasarathi Chattopadhyay of the Division Bench expressed their dissatisfaction with the Police’s handling of the case. The Division Bench has instructed the Police to locate and return the minor girl within one week and transfer her to the Child Welfare Committee.
Tanmay Basu, the legal representative for the girl’s family, has alleged, “The Police appear to be protecting the abductor, Asibur Rahman, due to his close association with a powerful TMC leader who serves as the Anchal Sabhapati of Pingla.”
The next hearing is scheduled for October 6.
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