Kolkata Police have arrested a martial arts teacher, Prosenjit Das, for allegedly sexually abusing minor girls residing at an NGO hostel in the Survey Park area of south Kolkata. The arrest was made on Saturday following a complaint lodged by one of the victims, a senior police officer confirmed on Monday, 13 July. Das has been booked under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

Who Is the Accused and Where Did the Abuse Occur

Prosenjit Das served as a treasurer at an NGO hostel in the Survey Park area of south Kolkata. In addition to his administrative duties, he taught karate and kung fu to the minor girls living at the hostel — children who either had no parents or were not living with their families. The NGO encouraged its residents to participate in sports, which is how Das came to hold a position of trust over the children.

According to police, Das allegedly used training sessions as cover to touch the minor girls inappropriately. Many of the children reportedly felt uncomfortable but were too intimidated to speak out. It is further alleged that he would call individual girls to secluded areas inside the hostel under the pretext of private coaching sessions, where he would sexually abuse them.

How the Abuse Came to Light

One of the victims — a minor girl from the Rabindra Sarobar area of south Kolkata who had been placed at the hostel after her parents separated — alleged that Das had been sexually abusing her for several months. Despite her attempts to avoid him, he allegedly intimidated and threatened her, continuing the abuse. Over time, she began suffering from panic attacks.

A teacher at the hostel noticed her deteriorating condition and, upon gently questioning her, the girl broke down and disclosed the abuse. The teacher subsequently reported the matter to the hostel authorities and filed a complaint directly with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Members of the CWC visited the hostel, spoke with the minor, and arranged for her to be moved to a safe home.

FIR and Arrest

A complaint was initially filed at Rabindra Sarobar Police Station on behalf of the minor. Since the alleged offences took place within the jurisdiction of Survey Park Police Station, a zero FIR was registered at Rabindra Sarobar and the case was transferred to Survey Park Police Station. Following investigation, Prosenjit Das was arrested on Saturday.

Ongoing Investigation

Police said they are currently interrogating Das and working to determine how many other minors may have been subjected to abuse during his time at the hostel. This case highlights a troubling pattern of exploitation within institutional care settings, where children without parental support are particularly vulnerable to adults in positions of authority. Investigators have not yet disclosed whether additional arrests are expected.

The case is likely to prompt scrutiny of background verification and child safeguarding protocols at NGO-run hostels across West Bengal. Authorities have not yet indicated a timeline for filing a chargesheet.