Agartala (Tripura) [India], June 4 (HBTV): An alleged kidnapping of a minor girl in the Churaibari area along the Tripura-Assam border in Tripura's North District has triggered concern and protests among local residents. Although the minor has been rescued, the prime accused remains absconding.
According to the complaint, Sharif Uddin (22), a resident of the Khadimpara locality under Ward No. 2 of the East Phulbari Gram Panchayat and within the jurisdiction of Churaibari Police Station, allegedly abducted a 13-year-old girl shortly after sunset on May 29, the day of Eid.
Following the incident, the girl's mother filed a written complaint at Churaibari Police Station.
The family has alleged that after the case was registered, local Panchayat member Ayaz Ali pressured them to withdraw the complaint. They further claimed that Ayaz Ali played a role in the rescue of the minor from the Tongchhara area on Friday night and her subsequent transfer to the police station.
In protest, local residents gathered outside Churaibari Police Station, demanding a fair investigation and strict action against those responsible. They alleged that Sharif Uddin worked at a stone-crushing unit owned by Ayaz Ali.
The allegations have led to questions regarding Ayaz Ali's possible involvement in the case. Residents warned that they would launch a protest movement if the police failed to take appropriate action. They also claimed that similar incidents involving missing or abducted minor girls had occurred in the area in the past.
As a result, some residents expressed concerns about the possible existence of an organised human trafficking network operating in the region. They demanded the immediate arrest of Sharif Uddin and any others found to be involved in the case.
Police have completed the minor's medical examination and initiated an investigation. Although a raid was conducted at the accused's residence on Friday night, he was not apprehended. The incident has created tension in the Churaibari area.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Dharmanagar Jayanta Karmakar said that the kidnapping case was reported at Churaibari Police Station on May 29, 2026, following which a specific case was registered.
'Thereafter, under the leadership of Churaibari Police, a team comprising police personnel, with the assistance of local people, successfully recovered the missing minor girl on the same night of May 29. She was found in a village within the Hulashicherra area, located near the Assam border. After completing the necessary legal formalities, she has been handed over to her legal parents. Regarding the accused individuals, we are conducting special drives and will be arresting the responsible person very shortly,' he said.
(ANI)