Man Arrested for Attempted Sexual Assault of Specially-Abled Minor in Siliguri

KalimNews, February 12, 2025, Siliguri : A 20-year-old man has been arrested in Siliguri for allegedly attempting to sexually assault a specially-abled minor. The accused, identified as Raju Bagadia from Rajasthan, was apprehended after the victim’s family alerted the authorities about the incident.

According to police sources, a group of individuals from Rajasthan had recently arrived in Siliguri for business purposes and rented a house in Ward No. 1, near the victim’s residence. The minor, who is unable to walk due to her disability, lives with her maternal uncle and his family. The alleged assault occurred on Tuesday afternoon when the victim was at home alone.

The victim’s uncle, who had returned home from work, was alerted by his niece’s screams. He rushed to her room, where he discovered Bagadia attempting to carry out the assault. The local community, upon hearing the screams, confronted the accused and informed the police.

Bagadia initially fled the scene but was later traced by the police, who tracked his mobile phone. Authorities apprehended him late Tuesday night at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, where he was about to board a train. The police promptly took him into custody, and he was presented in Siliguri court on Wednesday.

Rakesh Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police, confirmed the arrest and assured that a full investigation is ongoing. The accused has been charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

This incident has shocked the local community, and authorities are taking swift action to ensure justice for the victim. Further inquiries into the matter are underway.