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Disabled minor raped in police van in Calcutta

Rifat Jawaid in Calcutta

Women activists in Calcutta have demanded the immediate arrest of constables allegedly involved in the rape of a minor disabled girl in a police van.

The Congress women's wing protested on Thursday outside Presidency Jail, demanding action against the guilty personnel.

The escort in the police van allegedly raped the girl on Wednesday, while being taken back to jail from Alipore court. As a woman constable was supposed to be present in the van, it is not known whether she left before the girl was raped.

Women's wing state president Krishna Debnath described the incident as 'unfortunate and shameful'.

"Bengalis are recognised the world over for being civilised and cultured. But what happened on Wednesday has only forced us to hang our heads in shame. It also speaks volumes of the Marxist government's so-called commitment to curb violence against women in the state. The culprit has not been arrested more than 36 hours after this shameful act. Both accused, members of the reserve force, are absconding. If law-keepers indulge in such heinous acts, who will common citizens turn to with grievances?" Debnath added.

Debnath warned that if the state government did not act immediately, her party would launch state-wide protests. She suggested that the victim be rehabilitated immediately in any non-governmental welfare centre.

West Bengal Deputy Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya said an investigation was on and the guilty would be punished. Bhattacharya added that the government was awaiting the medical report.

The Watgunge police had arrested the girl on September 6, for allegedly stealing saris from a shop.

According to fellow inmates, she broke down after reaching the jail, which surprised them. She then narrated the incident by sign language. Female inmates of the jail protested outside the jail superintendent's office, demanding the culprit's arrests.

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