An appalling incident involving the alleged rape of an seven-months-old girl, the daughter of a homeless couple, has shaken Kolkata. The matter came to light on November 30, when a resident of Burtolla alerted the police after noticing the girl sitting alone on the footpath outside his house. She was crying uncontrollably, prompting the concerned individual to call the police.

Police confirmed that the infant’s parents had also sought their assistance. "The parents of the infant had also approached us. We took the child to the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital where doctors were shocked to see the injury marks near her private parts. There were several scratch marks on her body as well, indicating sexual molestation. We have started an investigation," a police officer told PTI.

The girl has been admitted to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. Police revealed shocking details during their initial investigation. "Initial investigation revealed that the baby was picked up from the footpath, and taken somewhere and raped. It could be the work of some vagabonds. After the crime was committed, she was dropped again. We are checking the CCTV footage and also talking to the people of the area," the officer said.

Efforts were being made to arrest the accused, he added

Suspect Held from Jhargram

In a shocking turn of events, days after a seven-month-old girl was allegedly raped in North Kolkata, the police made a significant breakthrough by arresting the prime suspect. The arrest occurred in the early hours of Thursday in the Gopiballavpur Police Station area of Jhargram district. Acting on crucial evidence gathered from CCTV footage, the authorities apprehended one Rajeev Ghosh, who was promptly brought to Kolkata for further investigation.

“In due course of investigation, we have collected circumstantial evidence with utmost importance. Besides, we have thoroughly examined the CCTV footage of the street. The person was identified as Rajeev Ghosh on the basis of the CCTV footage. He has already been brought to Kolkata and needs to be taken into custody and interrogated to know who else is involved in the incident,” said an official.

The investigation is still underway, with the police leaving no stone unturned in exploring the possibility of additional individuals being involved in the horrifying crime. The interrogation of Ghosh is expected to shed light on whether others had a role in this heinous act.

The incident, which occurred on November 30, sent shockwaves through the community. Local residents discovered the injured infant crying on a footpath, prompting them to immediately alert the police. The baby was rushed to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where doctors confirmed severe injuries, leaving both medical staff and the public horrified.

Following the heinous incident, the infant's mother filed a formal complaint, prompting the registration of a case under stringent provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Kolkata Police’s detective department, in collaboration with the local police, initiated a detailed investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“On 30/11/24 at about 01:45hrs local residents informed police that a baby was crying on the footpath. Accordingly, the local police rushed to the spot and found a minor baby in front of the said premises. In the meantime, two footpath dwellers reported their missing seven-months-old girl child to the local police. They identified the minor as their daughter. They were shifted to R G Kar Hospital for treatment. After examination and treatment the doctors opined of injury … to the infant child. Hence, specific case vide Burtala PS case no 191 dt 30.11.2024 u/s 137(2) (kidnapping, 65(2) (rape) BNS with Sec 6 POCSO Act,” added an official.

'Haven for Criminals': BJP Blasts Mamata Over Rape of 7-Month-Old Daughter of Homeless Couple

The horrific incident of a seven-month-old baby’s alleged rape in Kolkata has sparked outrage, with BJP West Bengal President Sukanta Majumdar sharply criticizing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her government. He accused the TMC regime of failing to ensure the safety of women and children in the state, pointing to the alarming state of law and order.

Raising his voice against the tragedy, Majumdar took to ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter) to express his outrage. "Under Mamata Banerjee's rule, even an seven-months-old infant isn't safe. Kolkata, once a city of culture, is now a haven for criminals. While the police guard the 'Crown Prince of Kalighat,' women and children face unspeakable horrors. Is this the 'safety' Didi boasts about?" he wrote, emphasizing the lack of security under the TMC government.

The BJP leader’s statement underscores the growing frustration over the deteriorating safety measures in West Bengal. By referencing the incident involving the seven-month-old child, Majumdar highlighted the vulnerability of even the most defenseless in society. His remarks have added fuel to the ongoing political debate over governance and public safety in the state. The incident has brought to the forefront concerns about the administration's priorities and its alleged inability to protect its citizens.