Elderly Man Arrested for Raping Minor in Bengal's Mekhliganj?
Synopsis
In a shocking incident in Mekhliganj, North Bengal, an elderly man was arrested for the alleged rape of a minor girl. The case has sparked outrage in the community, leading to protests and calls for justice. With the police taking swift action, the future of this case remains uncertain, as the community demands accountability.
Key Takeaways
Elderly man arrested for raping a minor in Mekhliganj.
Incident occurred while the girl was collecting firewood.
Community protests erupted in response to the assault.
Police took swift action following the victim's complaint.
The accused is a neighbor of the victim's family.
Kolkata, Jan 25 (NationPress) An elderly man has been taken into custody on allegations of raping a minor girl in the Mekhliganj region of Cooch Behar district in North Bengal, according to police reports on Sunday.
The victim, a sixth-grade student, had gone to the riverbank to gather firewood when the man, whom she affectionately referred to as her grandfather, assaulted her. The incident came to public attention on Saturday, prompting the girl's family to file a complaint, leading to the arrest of the suspect.
Police sources indicate that the assault occurred on Thursday. The minor was at the riverbank in Jamaldah, collecting firewood, when 63-year-old Sheimutun Miyan allegedly threatened her with a sharp object before proceeding to rape her.
A local woman later intervened, rescuing the girl and escorting her home. The girl recounted to the media, "I was hanging clothes to dry at the riverbank when my grandfather called me, claiming there was firewood. Then he threatened me and assaulted me."
Despite the gravity of the situation, the girl's family delayed contacting the police, reportedly due to intimidation from the neighbor. Eventually, local residents accompanied the victim's family to the Jamaldah police outpost to lodge a formal complaint. Subsequently, the accused was apprehended and taken to the Mekhliganj police station.
"The suspect has been arrested, and a case has been filed against him," stated a senior officer from the Mekhliganj police.
The community responded with protests over the incident, leading to a blockade on the state highway in Jamaldah, where demonstrators burned tyres and threw stones, causing significant disruption. During the unrest, the officer-in-charge of Mekhliganj police station, Mohammad Sahbaz, sustained minor injuries. As the situation escalated, police were compelled to use batons to disperse the crowd, resulting in several detentions.
Point of View
We at NationPress remain committed to highlighting issues of safety and justice. The incident in Mekhliganj underscores the urgent need for societal vigilance and support for victims of sexual violence. We advocate for justice and the protection of vulnerable members of our society while recognizing the challenges faced by victims in seeking help.
NationPress
7 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Mekhliganj?
An elderly man was arrested for allegedly raping a minor girl in Mekhliganj, North Bengal.
How did the police respond?
Police arrested the accused following a formal complaint from the victim's family.
What was the community's reaction?
Local residents protested, demanding justice and accountability, leading to disruptions in the area.
What are the details of the incident?
The incident occurred when the girl was gathering firewood at the riverbank and was threatened by the accused.
Is the suspect in custody?
Yes, the suspect has been apprehended and a case has been registered against him.
