In a swift operation following a complaint from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), Siwan police arrested Arshad Alam, accused of exploiting a minor girl under the guise of an ‘orchestra’ in Bihar. Later, police rescued five other girls. The action was announced by NCPCR Chairman Priyank Kanoongo on October 10.
According to Chairman Kanoongo, the operation was initiated after an NGO, Mission Mukti Foundation, lodged a complaint with the NCPCR regarding the exploitation of minors. Early morning on October 10, following the commission’s orders, Siwan police conducted a raid, rescuing the minors and detaining Alam.
Kanoongo shared the details on his social media account, X (formerly Twitter), emphasising the urgency of the matter. He posted a video of Alam, stating, “Listen to Arshad’s statement. His method of crime involves grooming and exploiting minor girls under the pretence of ‘love.’ This video is intended to raise public awareness to protect our daughters.”
The video statement from Alam, who hails from Gopalganj, Bihar, revealed his tactic of deceiving minors with promises of ‘love marriage’. He claimed to have performed such a marriage with a minor from Durgapur, Bengal, and was preparing for a ‘nikah’ ceremony.
अरशद आलम बिहार में आर्केस्ट्रा चलाता है जहां मिशन मुक्ति फाउंडेशन द्वारा नाबालिग लड़कियों के शोषण की शिकायत की गई थी। @NCPCR_ के निर्देश के बाद आज तड़के सिवान पुलिस ने छापामार कार्रवाई कर के 6 लड़कियों को रेस्क्यू किया है।
अरशद का बयान सुन लीजिए “लव” के नाम पर नाबालिग लड़की को… pic.twitter.com/kR1qosqQfO
— प्रियंक कानूनगो Priyank Kanoongo (@KanoongoPriyank) October 10, 2024
Chairman Kanoongo highlighted the gravity of the exploitation, suggesting Alam’s methods involved luring minors with false promises of marriage, followed by sexual exploitation. There are also indications that Alam might coerce conversion to Islam for non-Muslim minors before the ‘nikah’.
This case brings to light the ongoing issue of minor exploitation in the region, prompting calls for increased vigilance and protective measures for minors. The NCPCR and local authorities are expected to continue their investigation to ensure justice for the victims and to prevent future occurrences.
Statement from NCPCR: “We are committed to safeguarding the rights of children. This operation is a testament to our resolve. We urge the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to prevent such heinous crimes.”
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