Hotel owner held after missing minor rescued

Silchar: Tension gripped Lathigram in Cachar district late on Tuesday night after a 16-year-old girl, missing since March, was rescued from a restaurant-cum-hotel, triggering public outrage and vandalism at the establishment.

Police said the accused owner was arrested.The minor was recovered from a room at the restaurant during a search conducted by her family members and local residents, who tracked her location following a tip-off. The girl, a resident of the same district, was reported missing several months ago, and her family filed a complaint, based on which police lodged an FIR in the case.Soon after the rescue, an angry crowd gathered outside the establishment and allegedly vandalised parts of the property, accusing the owner of forcing the minor into illegal activities.The owner allegedly attempted to flee but was chased by locals and caught in a nearby field. He was manhandled and later handed over to police.Residents claimed the establishment was long associated with unlawful activities and alleged that it was sealed by authorities on previous occasions before being allowed to reopen.A large contingent of police personnel rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.

Additional SP (Cachar) Rajat Kumar Pal confirmed the recovery of the minor and the arrest of the accused.“We received information and immediately reached the spot. The girl has been recovered and the accused is now in police custody,” Pal said.“We have arrested the accused. A thorough investigation is underway, and if evidence of wrongdoing is found, we will ensure the strictest possible legal action against all those involved,” he added.