Block development officer arrested for allegedly molesting minor girl in Kurseong

Amitava Banerjee, HT, 06 June 2013, Kurseong: Kurseong hills in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal woke up to the horrific incident of a joint block development officer (BDO) allegedly molesting a 16 year old girl.|

The arrested BDO Swapan Kumar Bhattacharjee was produced at the additional chief judicial magistrate (ACJM) court in Kurseong on Wednesday and has been sent to 14 days of judicial custody.

At around 11:30am on Tuesday, the 16 year old had gone to Bhattacharjee’s chamber to get some documents attested. The 53 year old tried to lure the victim with promises to buy her a cell phone, made vulgar remarks and even molested her.

The victim  managed to free herself from the BDO’s clutches and fled. On reaching home, the victim narrated the incident to her elder sister, who then informed her parents. At around 3:30pm on Tuesday, the parents of the victim along with neighbours arrived at the BDO's office in Kurseong. The angry mob heckled the BDO.

Based on an FIR lodged by the father of the victim at the Kurseong Police Station, Bhattacharjee was arrested by the police. "He has been charged under Section 12 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012 and Section 3 of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act," stated Robin Thapa, inspector in charge, Kurseong Police Station.

Bhattacharjee was produced at the ACJM Court and sent to 14 days of Judicial Custody. The next date of hearing is June 19. Bhattacharjee is a resident of Deshbandhupara, Siliguri and was a daily commuter to Kurseong.

"We have initiated a departmental enquiry also. The report will be submitted to the district magistrate, Darjeeling," stated Ranjan Jha, sub divisional officer (SDO,) Kurseong.