A veil of trust shattered in West Bengal’s Mekhliganj when a 63-year-old man, affectionately known as ‘Dadi Ji’ to a young girl, was arrested for her rape. The incident in Cooch Behar’s Jamaldah, reported Sunday, has ignited debates on child safety and neighborly perils.
On Thursday, the sixth-grader headed to the riverbank for firewood collection. Shemutun Mia, the accused, exploited her innocence, summoning her with promises of wood. He then wielded a sharp weapon, perpetrating the assault until a local woman’s timely intervention saved her.
The girl confided in media: ‘He called me while I hung clothes. Said there were sticks nearby. Then he scared me with a knife and raped me.’
Intimidated by threats, the family hesitated. Neighbors, however, united that Saturday evening, filing the complaint at Jamaldah outpost. Police arrested the man promptly, transferring him to Mekhliganj station.
‘Case registered; accused in custody,’ affirmed a top officer.
Public wrath peaked Saturday night with highway blockade via burning tires and stone-throwing frenzy. Traffic halted; officer Mohammad Shahbaz suffered minor injuries. Lathi charge and detentions quelled the unrest.
Beyond the arrest, this case spotlights systemic issues: delayed reporting due to fear, reliance on community action over official promptness, and the facade of elderly benevolence hiding predators. As the probe unfolds, Bengal grapples with ensuring no child falls prey to those they trust most.