Howrah Civic Volunteer Arrested for Alleged Molestation and Minor's Suicide
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Kolkata, March 12 (NationPress) A civic volunteer has been detained in Howrah on allegations of molesting a minor girl who subsequently took her own life, according to police reports on Thursday.
A senior police official stated that the arrest occurred after the incident, which transpired in Amta within the Howrah Rural Police District on Wednesday.
The girl had attended a Kali Puja celebration in Amta with her mother on Tuesday night. The accused, who serves as a civic volunteer at the Penro Police Station, was also present at the event, where he is said to have molested the girl.
Following the incident, chaos ensued at the venue, drawing a crowd of concerned locals. The girl reportedly experienced deep humiliation when news of the incident spread.
Upon returning home, the girl confided in her mother about the molestation. That evening, after having dinner, she went to bed. By Wednesday morning, her family discovered her hanging in their home.
The tragic news of her death ignited unrest in the community, leading to protests by an outraged crowd demanding the swift arrest of the accused civic volunteer.
Later that evening, police apprehended the suspect after the victim's family filed a formal complaint at the Penro Police Station. He faces charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, as well as for abetment to suicide.
“The civic volunteer was arrested based on the family’s complaint. A case has been opened, and further investigations are ongoing,” a senior official from the Howrah Rural Police District confirmed.
Civic volunteers in the region have frequently come under fire for alleged recruitment issues and misconduct, including criminal behavior.
In a bid to prevent such occurrences, particularly with the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, the state police launched training initiatives last year to enhance civic volunteers' legal awareness and conduct.