In a distressing incident that unfolded in Jharkhand, Islamist Manzoor Alam, a 32-year-old resident of Garjamu in Gudio, Barhi, was arrested for abducting three young Hindu girls from Tilokri village in Jaynagar, Koderma district. The abduction occurred on December 10, around 1 PM, when Alam lured the children with the promise of chow mein and then forcibly took them on his motorcycle to the secluded Badano forest in the Chalkusha area of Hazaribagh district.
The victims, identified as nine-year-old Suman, her sister Alka, and another girl named Kusum (the names of all the victims changed to protect their identity), the daughter of Bindu Saav from Nawada, Bihar, were held captive in the forest. According to the girls’ testimonies, Alam had threatened them with harm if they attempted to escape or call for help. However, Suman managed to break free and alert nearby villagers.
Swift action by the local community led to a search operation. The villagers not only located the other two girls but also apprehended Alam at the scene. In a display of immediate justice, they reportedly tied Alam to a pole and subjected him to physical assault before handing him over to the Chalkusha police.
Chittaranjan Kumar, in-charge of Chalkusha Police Station as quoted by Hindu Post, confirmed the arrest of Manzoor Alam, stating, “We have taken the accused into custody, and he will face the full force of the law.” The police are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the motives and background of the accused to ensure comprehensive legal action.
The incident has once again cast a spotlight on the safety concerns plaguing the Hindu community in Jharkhand, where there has been a noted increase in crimes targeting Hindu minors and women. This case is reminiscent of previous instances where Hindu girls were abducted, often under deceptive pretences, leading to broader discussions on community safety and the need for stronger legal protections.
Critics argue that the governance by the JMM-Congress alliance in Jharkhand has been inadequate in addressing these rising communal tensions and criminal activities. Hindu organisations have been vocal in their demand for stricter anti-conversion laws and better community protection measures. They argue that without these, the Hindu population remains vulnerable to predatory behaviour, which some describe as part of a larger pattern of targeted attacks.
The abduction of these girls has not only raised immediate concerns for child safety but also sparked a conversation about religious freedoms and the security of minorities in the state.
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