Who is Chandan Malik? Arrested in Haridevpur Gang-Rape Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The main suspect, Chandan Malik, has been arrested.
- The second suspect, Debanshu Basak, is still at large.
- The incident occurred during the victim's birthday celebration.
- Authorities are intensifying their search efforts.
- Victims of sexual violence must be supported and heard.
Kolkata, Sep 10 (NationPress) Chandan Malik, the primary suspect in the Haridevpur gang-rape incident, has been apprehended by the Kolkata Police. Authorities captured him at Burdwan railway station in the early hours of Wednesday.
The second suspect, Debanshu Basak alias Deep, remains at large. Chandan Malik is set to appear in Alipore court on Wednesday, where police will request his custody.
According to police reports, the accused had intended to escape to another state by train.
Both suspects had evaded capture since a complaint was lodged at the Haridevpur Police Station in Kolkata.
Although extensive searches were conducted around the city, they were not located until a tip-off led police to conduct a raid on Tuesday night, resulting in Chandan's arrest at Burdwan station in the early hours.
“We have apprehended the main suspect. The search continues for the other accused. Investigations are ongoing,” stated a senior officer from the Kolkata Police.
On Saturday night, a young woman from the Haridevpur region accused two acquaintances of gang-raping her during her birthday celebration. Officials noted that the alleged incident occurred on Friday, but a formal complaint was only filed late on Saturday night at the Haridevpur Police Station.
In response to the complaint, police registered an FIR under appropriate legal sections and initiated a search for the suspects.
According to the victim’s account, she had met Chandan Mallick several months prior, who claimed to be the leader of a well-known Durga Puja committee in south Kolkata. Through him, she was subsequently introduced to another young man, Deep, who both promised to involve her in the committee.
It is reported that they frequently communicated with the victim.
Sources from the police revealed that one of the suspects invited her to celebrate her birthday on Friday and took her to Deep's residence, where the gang-rape occurred. The victim informed her family of the incident upon returning home, leading to her visit to the police station to file a complaint on Saturday.