Central forces jawan arrested for attempted rape of 10-year-old girl in Bengal

A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawan has been arrested for allegedly attempting to rape a 10-year-old girl who had gone to pluck raw mangoes near residential quarters in West Bengal's Asansol, sparking protests and a road blockade in the area, officials said on Monday.

The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in West Burdwan district, near the Lal Bazar area close to a CISF camp. According to local accounts, two girls, aged five and ten, had entered the quarters to pluck raw mangoes.

The accused, identified as Ramakant Vishwakarma, 40, allegedly approached the children and lured them with the promise of giving more mangoes. He then took them on his scooter to a nearby quarter. The younger child was made to wait outside, while the 10-year-old was taken inside, where he allegedly attempted to sexually assault her.

The girl raised an alarm, following which the accused fled the spot on his scooter.

As news spread, angry residents gathered outside the CISF camp and staged protests, demanding immediate action. A road blockade was also put up at Shitalpur Gate No. 3, with locals insisting the protest would continue until the accused was arrested.

The girl's father, along with local Trinamool Congress trade union leader Ratan Masih, lodged a written complaint at the Saktoria outpost.

Police officials said the accused was detained within hours and later arrested. A case is being registered under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Local TMC leader Chandan Acharya said tensions escalated after the incident, but police acted swiftly and arrested the accused.

Officials clarified that the accused had no connection with election-related duties but was on regular deployment for coal mines in the area.

Further investigation into the matter is underway.

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