Two Minor Girls Rescued After Alleged Online Modelling Scam

PTI, July 16, 2026, Siliguri: Two minor girls from Malda, who allegedly left home after being lured by a fake social media promise of a modelling opportunity in South Korea, were rescued by New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Police from Siliguri.

According to police, both girls are Class 6 students.

They reportedly came into contact with a few individuals through social media, who allegedly promised to arrange modelling assignments in South Korea and asked them to travel to Siliguri.

After the girls went missing, their family members lodged a complaint with the Malda Police.

During the investigation, police learned that the two minors were travelling to Siliguri by bus and were scheduled to meet some people at the Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus.

Acting on the information, NJP Police conducted a search operation on buses in the Noukaghat area on Tuesday night and successfully rescued the girls near Jalpaimore.

Social worker and former MLA of English Bazar Sreerupa Mitra Chaudhury visited the police station and interacted with the girls.

She said: "Timely intervention of police helped prevent a potentially serious tragedy. But the families need to focus on their children and their access to social media."