West Bengal police have arrested two youths for allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in the Habra area of North 24 Parganas district after allegedly making her consume intoxicant-laced alcohol, officials confirmed on Monday, 14 September 2026. The minor, who had come to visit a relative's home in the Habra Municipality area, was found unconscious and is currently receiving treatment at Habra State General Hospital.

How the Incident Unfolded

According to police, on Saturday evening, a female acquaintance from the neighbourhood allegedly took the girl to the residence of a local youth known to her. A gathering was reportedly held on the rooftop of that house, where a second youth was also present. Investigators say the minor was allegedly made to consume alcohol mixed with intoxicating substances.

The group later reportedly went out for a walk, following which the two youths allegedly assaulted the girl near a wooded area close to a Shiva temple in the locality. After the victim lost consciousness, the accused allegedly abandoned her at the spot and fled. The female acquaintance who had accompanied her reportedly returned home without alerting the family.

Search, Rescue and Arrests

When the girl did not return late into the night, her family filed a missing person complaint at Habra Police Station. Officers launched a search operation and, after questioning the female acquaintance, traced and rescued the victim early Sunday morning. She was found unconscious and was immediately admitted to Habra State General Hospital, where she continues to receive treatment.

Both accused were arrested on Sunday night following a complaint filed by the victim's family. Officials noted that one of the two arrested individuals had previously faced allegations of misconduct involving women. A senior officer of the Barasat Police District confirmed that both accused are under interrogation and that the investigation is ongoing.

Family Demands Exemplary Punishment

The victim's father expressed anguish over the incident, stating that the family had trusted the neighbourhood and could not have foreseen such an outcome. 'The girl went to visit her uncle's neighbourhood friend in good faith. But no one could imagine that the consequences would be so terrible. I demand exemplary punishment for the two accused youths,' he said.

Broader Context

This incident comes amid sustained scrutiny of crime against women in West Bengal, a state that has faced repeated calls for stronger law enforcement responses following several high-profile cases in recent years. Critics and opposition groups have argued that systemic accountability gaps persist in crimes targeting minors. Authorities have not yet indicated whether additional charges — including provisions under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act — will be applied, though investigators are expected to address this as the probe progresses.