Kolkata: Authorities in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district are investigating the suspicious death of a 13-year-old schoolgirl whose body was discovered hanging at her Gaighata home on Friday night. Her family has lodged a formal complaint, alleging the minor was raped, blackmailed, and driven to suicide by a 32-year-old local man.
Police confirmed on Saturday that they recovered the Class 8 student's body after family members found her. They immediately transported it for an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death. Family members claim severe mental distress from the alleged abuse pushed the teenager to take her own life.
According to the family's account, the girl had been in contact with the 32-year-old youth for approximately a year. A few months ago, they allege, the youth invited her to his residence. There, his mother reportedly confined the girl in a room by locking the door from outside, enabling the youth to sexually assault the minor within.
The family further accuses the youth of blackmailing the girl with objectionable photographs and videos. The girl's mother stated that the accused used these materials to intimidate her daughter, forcing her to meet him under various pretexts, including school. He allegedly threatened to circulate the compromising images and videos if she refused his demands.
The girl's father revealed that the family initially remained unaware of her association with the youth. Upon discovering it, he warned his daughter against continuing the relationship. However, he claims the youth persisted in meeting her and even threatened her with an acid attack. The family also alleges that the girl was forcibly made to wear conch shell bangles and vermilion at the youth's house, suggesting an attempt at a non-consensual marriage. Her mother subsequently brought her back home.
Following the girl's death, the family submitted a written complaint to the Gaighata police station, demanding strict action against the accused. Police have initiated an investigation into the matter, examining all allegations, the circumstances surrounding her death, and other claims made by the family. No arrests have been reported as of yet.
Image: mangalorean.com
đź“° Source: Mangalorean News