Who was arrested in Bengal's Sandeshkhali for raping a woman under false marriage promises?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Importance of reporting sexual crimes
- Community response to sexual violence
- The role of law enforcement in protecting victims
- Impact of political power on justice
- Support systems for victims of sexual assault
Kolkata, Aug 6 (NationPress) West Bengal Police apprehended a 32-year-old man on Wednesday for repeatedly raping a young woman under the false pretense of marriage in Sandeshkhali, located in the North 24 Parganas district. This area had previously been in the spotlight due to protests by local women against ongoing sexual exploitation by the now-suspended Trinamool Congress leader, Sheikh Shahjahan, who is known as a local strongman, according to police reports.
A police district officer confirmed that the arrest followed a formal complaint lodged by the victim's family at the Sandeshkhali police station.
The suspect has been identified as Rashidul Molla, who resides in the vicinity of the police station.
Reports indicate that the accused first encountered the victim six months ago and pursued a romantic relationship. Initially hesitant, the victim eventually acquiesced to his advances.
According to the complaint, the perpetrator sexually assaulted the victim multiple times while assuring her of marriage. However, when she insisted on formalizing their relationship, he attempted to cut off all ties, asserting that marriage was not an option.
Feeling deceived, the victim confided in her family about the ordeal.
On Tuesday, the family took action by reporting the incident to the police, leading to a written complaint at the Sandeshkhali police station.
"Following an investigation, law enforcement apprehended the accused in the Jelekhali area on Wednesday. He was subsequently brought before a Basirhat Court, where he was remanded into police custody," stated a district police officer.
This incident has reignited outrage in Sandeshkhali, an area that had previously made headlines due to allegations against Sheikh Shahjahan involving rape, land seizure, and abuse directed at local women. Shahjahan was also implicated in a violent confrontation with Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials and central armed police personnel (CAPF) last year. He is further accused of orchestrating the murders of three local BJP workers in 2019.