Kolkata, July 13 (IANS) Three persons have been arrested for allegedly raping a young woman in Kolkata’s Thakurpukur area, police said on Monday. Based on a complaint filed by the victim, officers of Thakurpukur Police Station, on the southern outskirts of Kolkata, arrested the accused.

According to the police, the incident took place on Saturday night. Police sources said the main accused is the woman’s friend. The victim alleged that the main accused forcibly had sexual intercourse with her, while another accused allegedly removed her clothes. She also alleged that the accused misbehaved with her and took away her mobile phone with malicious intent.

Police arrested the three accused on Sunday night after initiating an investigation into the matter. Investigators are also examining the specific role of each of the accused.

According to police sources, the victim’s mobile phone has been recovered. Investigators are trying to ascertain why her phone was taken away. They are also gathering further details about the incident by interrogating the three arrested persons. Police sources said that two friends of the main accused had gone to his house when the young woman was present there.

Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime), Kolkata Police, Kunal Aggarwal, said that prompt action was taken in accordance with the law immediately after the complaint was received.

“All aspects of the incident are being investigated and the investigation is underway,” he said. Police added that efforts are being made to establish the facts of the case by examining forensic evidence, witness accounts and the statements of all those involved.

It may be noted that the state government under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has adopted a zero-tolerance policy on violence against women. Especially after the Baruipur rape and murder incident, several guidelines have been issued by the police regarding the investigation of crimes against women. The guidelines clearly state that prompt action must be taken upon receiving complaints relating to violence against women and that any delay in initiating action will not be tolerated.

–IANS

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