Panel directs police to arrest Mamata nephew’s BJP rival for ‘molesting minor’

The alleged incident took place on April 26, when the minor had reportedly gone to meet Roy. Her family lodged a complaint with Falta police station. However, as there was no arrest despite starting a case under POCSO Act, the minor’s father approached the Commission.

According to the police, an FIR was lodged and Roy was booked under POCSO Act for allegedly sexually abusing and outraging the modesty of a minor. (Source: Facebook/Nilanjan Roy)

The West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights has directed West Bengal Police to arrest the BJP candidate for Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat, Nilanjan Roy, for allegedly molesting a minor. It has also written to the Election Commission for action in the matter.

The alleged incident took place on April 26, when the minor had reportedly gone to meet Roy. Her family lodged a complaint with Falta police station. However, as there was no arrest despite starting a case under POCSO Act, the minor’s father approached the Commission.

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BJP candidate Roy (43) is pitted against sitting Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee — Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s nephew — from Diamond Harbour seat, which votes on May 19.

Chairperson of the Commission Ananya Chatterjee told The Indian Express, “We received a complaint. The victim is a minor. Her father lodged a complaint with the police. Though they registered a case and recorded the statement of the victim under Section 164, the accused was not arrested. We have asked police to immediately arrest the accused.”

She added, “We have also written a letter to the EC asking it to take action within 24 hours.”

Roy could not be contacted.

Avijit Das, BJP district president of South 24 Parganas (West), said, “Do you believe that an election candidate will do such a thing? This is all a conspiracy by TMC. They know they will lose. They are using the administration and police against us. They have slapped so many cases against me and other leaders.”

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BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said, “I am not aware of the case. Therefore I cannot comment.”

According to the police, an FIR was lodged and Roy was booked under POCSO Act for allegedly sexually abusing and outraging the modesty of a minor.

“We have done a medical examination and the statement of the victim has been recorded under Section 164. We are investigating the matter,” said a senior police officer.