POCSO arrest in Nadia: Man held for molesting 7-year-old during Durga Puja
Synopsis
A 52-year-old man was arrested in West Bengal's Nadia district after allegedly molesting a seven-year-old girl on the night of Navami during Durga Puja celebrations. The accused, reportedly known to the victim's family, was produced in a Ranaghat court while police sought custody for further investigation under the POCSO Act.
Key Takeaways
A 52-year-old man was arrested in Santipur, Nadia district , for allegedly molesting a seven-year-old girl during Durga Puja .
The incident allegedly occurred on the night of Navami (Tuesday) at Dalal Para Lane, Santipur .
The accused was arrested on Wednesday night under sections of the POCSO Act, 2012 .
He was produced before a court in Ranaghat on Thursday ; police have sought his custody for further investigation.
The accused is reportedly known to the victim's family and lives in a neighbouring locality.
A 52-year-old man has been arrested in West Bengal's Nadia district for allegedly molesting a seven-year-old girl during the Durga Puja festival, police confirmed on Thursday, 22 October 2026. The accused was taken into custody on Wednesday night under multiple sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, following a written complaint filed by the child's family.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to police, the alleged offence took place on the night of Navami — Tuesday — at Dalal Para Lane in the Santipur area of Nadia district. The accused is reportedly an acquaintance of the victim's family and lives in a neighbouring locality close to her residence. The girl's family alleged that the man touched the child inappropriately, behaved indecently with her, and also allegedly grabbed her during the incident.
Police Response and Arrest
After learning of the alleged assault, the family approached the local police station and lodged a written complaint. Officers of Santipur police station launched an investigation promptly and arrested the accused from the area shortly after. A senior officer of Nadia district police confirmed the development.
'We received a complaint from the minor's family against the elderly man. The family alleged that he molested the minor and touched her inappropriately. An investigation was launched after receiving the complaint. The accused has been arrested. A case under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, has been registered against him. He has been produced in court. Investigation is on,' the officer said.
Court Appearance and Next Steps
The accused was produced before a court in Ranaghat on Thursday, where police sought his custody for further interrogation. Investigators say the probe is focused on establishing the full circumstances surrounding the alleged offence and collecting additional evidence. The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the POCSO Act.
Context: Child Safety Concerns During Festivals
This incident comes amid broader concerns about child safety during large public gatherings in West Bengal. Durga Puja, one of the state's largest festivals, draws millions to community pandals and open streets, creating environments where unmonitored interactions can occur. This is not the first time law enforcement has had to respond to POCSO-related complaints arising during festive events in the state. Child rights advocates have repeatedly called for dedicated safety measures — including the deployment of plainclothes officers near pandals — during major festivals. The investigation by Santipur police remains ongoing.
Point of View
And the accused being known to the victim's family reflects a pattern seen in the majority of POCSO cases nationally. The swift arrest by Santipur police is noteworthy, but the broader question — why dedicated child protection protocols during festivals remain inconsistently enforced in West Bengal — deserves sharper scrutiny from both the state administration and child rights bodies. The demand for custody by police signals the investigation may extend beyond the immediate incident.
NationPress
22 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the Nadia POCSO case during Durga Puja?
A 52-year-old man from a locality neighbouring the victim's residence in Santipur, Nadia district, was arrested. He is reportedly known to the seven-year-old girl's family and was taken into custody on Wednesday night under the POCSO Act, 2012.
What happened during Durga Puja in Santipur, Nadia?
According to the complaint filed by the minor's family, the accused allegedly touched the child inappropriately, behaved indecently, and grabbed her on the night of Navami at Dalal Para Lane in Santipur. Police registered a case under the POCSO Act after receiving the complaint.
What is the POCSO Act and what does it cover?
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 is a special Indian law that criminalises sexual offences against children below 18 years of age. It covers acts including sexual assault, sexual harassment, and use of children for pornographic purposes, and provides for stringent punishment for offenders.
What is the current status of the case?
The accused was produced before a court in Ranaghat on Thursday, 22 October 2026, where police sought his custody for further investigation. The probe is focused on establishing the circumstances of the alleged offence and gathering additional evidence.
Was the accused known to the victim?
Yes, according to police, the accused is reportedly known to the girl's family and lives in a neighbouring locality close to her residence in Santipur. This is consistent with national data showing a majority of POCSO cases involve perpetrators known to the victim.
