KOLKATA — Three Muslim youth were kidnapped, assaulted and robbed by a group of “unidentified” men in Narabunia village of South 24 Parganas in West Bengal. The incident has led to allegations of communal targeting and dissatisfaction with the police response.
Rajibul Molla, Zahir Molla and Hafizul Molla, all residents of Narabunia in the Canning subdivision of the district, were reportedly attacked on the evening of May 28 near Viral Bridge, which connects Mitakhali and Maukhali.
According to the families of the victims, the youths were sitting under a tree near the bridge and using their mobile phones when a group of young men approached them. Family members said the men questioned the trio, and after establishing their Muslim identity, started beating them.
The families further alleged that the victims were taken away to an undisclosed location, where they were subjected to further assault. They claim the attackers demanded ₹50,000 for their release and also took away three mobile phones, ₹15,000 in cash and two motorcycles.
Narrating his ordeal, Rajibul Molla said the three were separated and taken to different locations, where they were repeatedly assaulted.
“We were taken away against our will and pressured to hand over money. When we refused, the assault continued. At one point, they forced me to hold a gun while recording a video and made me say offensive things on camera. I have no idea who those people were,” Rajibul was quoted as saying by The Observer Post.
The families have expressed anger at police inaction. Hossain Molla, father of one of the injured youths, said he approached Canning Police Station on the night of the incident and informed officials about the kidnapping and assault.
According to him, the police only recorded a General Diary entry and did not register a formal FIR.
“My son was brutally attacked and nearly lost his life. Days have passed, but no FIR has been filed; no arrests have been made; and none of the stolen items have been recovered,” he said.
With no reported arrests so far, residents and rights groups continue to demand a thorough investigation, registration of a formal case, recovery of the stolen items, and strict action against those responsible.
