Protest in Rajganj over minor girl’s death; demand for strict action against accused

The protesters placed the girl’s body in front of the police station gate and later blocked the main road in Rajganj, disrupting vehicular movement for several hours.

According to sources, the Class IX student from Nabagram under Sannyasikata Gram Panchayat in Rajganj was reportedly in a relationship with a youth from the Sukhani Gram Panchayat area. As the girl was a minor, both families had allegedly opposed their marriage.

Family members of the deceased alleged that the youth later took the girl to his house, where she was allegedly made to consume poison.

The girl was initially admitted to Jalpaiguri Super Speciality Hospital and was later shifted to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital after her condition deteriorated. She died during treatment on Monday.

Following the post-mortem examination on Tuesday, the body was handed over to the family, after which protests erupted in the area.

A large police force was deployed at the scene, and the IC of Rajganj Police Station held discussions with the protesters. The road blockade was eventually withdrawn after police assured them that the investigation would proceed and legal action would be taken based on the allegations.

Police sources said the accused youth had already been arrested on Monday night. He was produced before the Jalpaiguri district court on Tuesday and was remanded to police custody. Investigation into the case is ongoing.