A four-year-old girl from West Bengal’s Hooghly district, near Kolkata, was reportedly abducted from her sleeping place beside her grandmother and subjected to sexual assault, sparking outrage across the state and intense criticism from political leaders. The child, who belongs to the Banjara community, was sleeping under a mosquito net on a cot near the Tarakeshwar railway shed when an unidentified perpetrator allegedly cut through the net and carried her away in the early hours of the morning, according to her family and police sources.

The family described the horrifying events of the night, highlighting the vulnerability of children living in precarious conditions. The girl’s grandmother, visibly distraught, recounted how she had been sleeping alongside the child when the abduction occurred. “She was sleeping with me. Someone took her away,” she said, holding the torn mosquito net as evidence of the assault. She added that she had not realized when the child was removed and was unaware of the identity of the attackers. “I didn’t even realise when she was taken. I don’t know who the people were who took her away. They cut the mosquito net and took her away. She was found naked,” she said, struggling to hold back tears.

The incident sheds light on the vulnerability of marginalized communities, particularly those living in temporary or informal housing arrangements. The grandmother mentioned that the family had been living on the streets following the demolition of their home. “Where do we go? We don’t have any homes,” she said, underscoring the broader socio-economic issues that often intersect with crime and safety, leaving children especially exposed.

The girl was reportedly found the following afternoon near the Tarakeshwar railway high drain, lying in a pool of blood, prompting immediate medical attention. She was rushed to Tarakeshwar Gramin Hospital, where hospital authorities have described her condition as critical. Given the severity of her injuries, the child’s case highlights the urgent need for both medical intervention and legal protection under India’s laws for the protection of children.

The local police have confirmed that an FIR (First Information Report) has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code as well as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. A full-scale investigation has been launched to identify and apprehend the perpetrator, with law enforcement officials reportedly examining the area around the Tarakeshwar railway shed for evidence and witnesses. The swift registration of the FIR and the launch of an investigation are critical steps in ensuring that justice is pursued in a timely manner, particularly in cases involving vulnerable children.

However, the handling of the case has drawn severe criticism from opposition political figures. BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, has accused the Mamata Banerjee government of attempting to downplay the gravity of the crime. In a post on X, Adhikari alleged that the police had delayed registering the FIR and had referred the child to another hospital, claiming that the authorities were more focused on preserving the state’s image than on ensuring justice. “4-year-old girl child has been raped in Tarkeshwar. Family rushes to Police Station, but FIR not registered! Taken to the Hospital – referred to Chandannagar. Tarkeshwar Police busy burying the crime. This is the true face of Mamata Banerjee’s free-for-all regime. A child’s life is shattered, yet the police are shielding the State’s fake law & order image, by suppressing the truth,” he wrote.

This incident has sparked public outrage and renewed discussions around the safety of children in West Bengal, particularly in areas where housing insecurity and poverty make young children more susceptible to exploitation. Child rights advocates and social activists have long pointed out that children from marginalized communities face compounded risks due to lack of supervision, insufficient legal protection, and inadequate access to basic amenities like secure housing. The abduction of a minor from a location perceived to be under adult supervision emphasizes how even seemingly secure environments can pose serious risks when children’s safety is neglected.

While the political response has intensified, the case also underscores the need for structural reforms in child protection mechanisms and law enforcement responsiveness. Experts argue that community policing, increased surveillance in vulnerable areas, and active engagement with local communities are essential to prevent such incidents. Ensuring that marginalized families have access to secure housing and safe living conditions is equally critical, as socio-economic vulnerabilities often contribute to the exploitation of children.

The case also illustrates the challenges law enforcement agencies face in managing crimes against children. Rapid and sensitive handling of such cases is vital, both to protect victims and to ensure that public trust in policing institutions is maintained. Delays or perceived cover-ups can exacerbate trauma for victims and their families while fueling political and social unrest.

In addition to police investigations, child welfare departments are expected to play a key role in providing immediate care and long-term rehabilitation for the girl. Psychosocial support, trauma counseling, and medical care are essential components of recovery in cases of sexual assault, especially for children. Ensuring that the victim receives comprehensive care while the investigation proceeds is a critical responsibility of the state.

The abduction and assault also reflect the broader societal imperative of safeguarding children, particularly in regions where poverty, displacement, and social marginalization create conditions conducive to exploitation. Civil society organizations, local governance bodies, and law enforcement agencies must work in coordination to implement preventive measures, including community awareness programs, child safety education, and stricter monitoring of areas where vulnerable children reside.

This incident, coming amid political criticism and public scrutiny, has reignited debates on the accountability of the state government in ensuring the safety of children. Opposition leaders have used the case to highlight perceived gaps in law enforcement, while activists stress the need for systemic reforms to prevent recurrence. In parallel, families and communities are left grappling with fear and insecurity, highlighting the human cost of such crimes beyond the immediate victim.

As investigations continue, the immediate priority remains the medical stabilization and protection of the child, alongside the prompt identification and arrest of the perpetrator. Authorities have been urged to act swiftly and transparently, ensuring that justice is served and that the family receives the support and protection they urgently need.

The abduction of a child sleeping beside her grandmother is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children in India, particularly those from marginalized communities. It underscores the need for proactive measures by both the state and society to prevent such incidents and to ensure that children grow up in environments that are safe, secure, and supportive.

In conclusion, the abduction and sexual assault of the four-year-old girl near Tarakeshwar railway shed has ignited widespread outrage, political criticism, and calls for urgent action. While the local police have registered an FIR and launched an investigation under the POCSO Act, opposition leaders have accused the state government of attempting to suppress the crime. The incident highlights the urgent need for improved child protection mechanisms, secure living conditions for marginalized families, and swift law enforcement response to crimes against children. The ongoing case is a grim reminder of the responsibilities of the state and society in safeguarding the most vulnerable members of the community and ensuring that justice and support are provided without delay.