The body of a 13-year-old schoolgirl was found hanging at her home in the Gaighata area of North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, on Friday night, police confirmed on Saturday. Her family has alleged that the Class 8 student was sexually assaulted and blackmailed by a 32-year-old local man, and claimed she may have taken the extreme step due to sustained mental distress.

How the Case Unfolded

Family members discovered the girl hanging at their residence and immediately alerted police. Officers arrived at the scene, recovered the body, and sent it for a post-mortem examination. Authorities stated that the exact cause of death remains under investigation and no conclusion has been drawn pending the autopsy report.

According to the family's account, the girl had allegedly been in contact with the 32-year-old man for approximately one year. They allege that some months ago, the accused called the minor to his home, where his mother allegedly escorted the girl into a room and locked the door from outside, after which the accused allegedly sexually assaulted her.

Allegations of Blackmail and Coercion

The girl's mother alleged that the accused subsequently used objectionable photographs and videos to intimidate her daughter, threatening to circulate the material if she refused to comply with his demands. She claimed the girl was on several occasions lured away from home on the pretext of going to school or other errands, only to be coerced into meeting the accused.

The girl's father said the family was initially unaware of the contact. Upon learning of it, he warned his daughter against continuing the association. However, he alleged the accused persisted in contacting the minor and even threatened to attack her with acid.

The family has further alleged that the girl was forcibly made to wear conch shell bangles and vermilion — traditionally associated with marriage — at the accused's home without her consent, and was later brought back by her mother.

Police Response and Complaint Filed

Following the girl's death, the family filed a written complaint at Gaighata police station, demanding strict action against the accused. Police confirmed they have launched a formal investigation based on the complaint.

As of the latest reports, no arrest has been made. Investigators said all allegations, including the family's claims regarding sexual assault, blackmail, and forced rituals, are being examined as part of the ongoing probe. Tension reportedly prevailed in the Gaighata area following the incident.

Broader Context

This case comes amid heightened public sensitivity in West Bengal over crimes against minors, following a series of high-profile incidents that have drawn national attention. Critics and child rights advocates argue that delayed intervention in cases involving blackmail of minors — particularly through digital means — often leaves victims without timely recourse. All allegations in this case remain unproven at this stage and are subject to police investigation.