Kolkata, July 6 (IANS) The police have arrested a person from Bihar on charges of raping a minor in West Bengal’s Malda district, said a senior police officer of the district on Monday.

The incident comes close on the heels of the alleged rape and murder of a minor in South 24 Parganas district’s Baruipur area.

This time, the police have taken prompt action in this incident. The accused was arrested from Purnia in Bihar, within hours of the news of the incident coming to light.

The seriously ill minor girl is admitted to Malda Medical College and Hospital. The arrested person was produced before the Malda District Court on Monday. The police applied to the court for seven days’ custody of the accused.

According to the police, the accused has been identified as Sheikh Rabiul. On Sunday afternoon, there was no one at Rabiul’s house. He took this opportunity to call the 12-year-old minor at his house.

Allegedly, Rabiul raped her there. The minor fell ill after returning home. Her family members took her to Malda Medical College and Hospital for treatment. She is currently undergoing treatment there.

The police registered a case based on the written complaint of the victim’s family. The incident has spread excitement across the area. Due to the tension, there is a police picket in the area.

Meanwhile, the accused went into hiding after the incident. He fled to neighbouring Bihar after the news came out. Police said that the accused had fled to Purnia in Bihar.

He was arrested last night with the help of technology. Today, the police took him to the Malda District Court.

Malda Additional Superintendent of Police Maqsood Hasan said that after receiving the complaint, a special team was formed and the accused was arrested from Bihar. Arrangements will be made to punish him through speedy trial, said the police officer.

–IANS

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