Teenager arrested for raping minors

Siliguri: A 21-year-old youth was arrested for allegedly raping a minor after forcing her to drink alcoholic beverages. The incident created a stir in Ghoshpukur in Phansidewa block of Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad. The accused was identified as Hemant Vijaya, a resident of Fakirdwip area in Ghoshpukur.

According to police, the accused, who knew the minor, took her to an area adjacent to Tirhana Tea Garden in Ghoshpukur area on June 2, where he allegedly forced her to consume alcohol and later raped her.

The minor told her family the entire incident after returning home.

Later, her physical condition deteriorated. Initially, she was taken to Phansidewa Rural Hospital for treatment. As her condition deteriorated further, she was admitted to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital. Currently, the minor is undergoing treatment at the hospital. On Tuesday evening, family members of the minor filed a written complaint at the Ghoshpukur outpost and the accused was arrested from his house the same evening. The accused was booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and produced before the Siliguri sub-district court on Wednesday.