A 20-year-old woman was allegedly abducted and raped by two of her friends in Haridevpur, south Kolkata, late on Saturday night. The shocking case has prompted a police investigation and a manhunt for the accused, who are currently absconding.
Abduction from home and assault in Malancha
According to the complaint filed by the victim, one of the accused, identified as Chandan Mallick, invited her to a birthday party earlier that evening. When she declined the invitation, Chandan, along with his associate Debangshu Biswas, allegedly arrived at her residence in Haridevpur. The two men forcibly abducted her and took her to Malancha, on the southern outskirts of the city.
There, the men allegedly raped her multiple times through the night before dropping her back near her residence. The traumatised woman confided in her family, who then accompanied her to the local police station to register a formal complaint.
Complaint and police action
The First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at Haridevpur police station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including those dealing with rape and abduction.
Speaking to the media, a senior police officer confirmed the details:
“The two accused have fled, and we are searching for them. The victim is being medically examined, and our officers are visiting the place where the crime took place.”
The police have formed multiple teams to trace the accused, and lookout alerts have been issued across the region.
Medical examination and evidence collection
Following her complaint, the survivor was taken to a government hospital for medical examination, as per procedure. Doctors are conducting detailed tests to confirm the assault and collect forensic evidence. Meanwhile, police teams visited Malancha to inspect the alleged crime scene, record statements of locals, and collect CCTV footage, if available.
Community and public reaction
The incident has shocked residents of Haridevpur and neighbouring areas. Local community leaders condemned the crime and demanded swift action against the perpetrators. Women’s rights activists in Kolkata expressed concern over the increasing number of crimes against women in urban and semi-urban parts of the state, calling for stronger policing and public vigilance.
Rising concerns over women’s safety
Crimes against women have remained a significant challenge in West Bengal. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Kolkata has seen a steady rise in sexual assault and harassment cases in recent years. Experts point out that while the police have improved response times, more efforts are needed to strengthen preventive measures and public awareness.
Safety advocates stress that young women in particular remain vulnerable to exploitation by known acquaintances, making community awareness and education crucial.
Investigation underway
As of Sunday evening, police teams continued raids in multiple locations linked to the accused. Statements from the survivor and her family are being recorded in detail, and officials confirmed that digital records, including phone calls and messages between the accused and the survivor, will be examined to build a stronger case.
Authorities emphasised that the accused would be tracked down soon and brought before the court.
Conclusion
The Haridevpur case highlights the disturbing reality of crimes against women, even when perpetrators are known acquaintances. While the victim is receiving medical and psychological support, the search for the accused continues. Police have assured the family that swift and strict action will be taken, ensuring justice for the survivor.