📝 Complete News Report
WEST BENGAL, India— A heartbreaking incident has emerged from the Indian state of West Bengal, where a 15-year-old girl who was a victim of sexual assault tragically took her own life by consuming poison after enduring intense social stigma and fear. This devastating outcome underscores the profound failure of society to protect and support survivors of sexual violence, even after legal action has been initiated.
According to Indian media, the minor girl, hailing from the Keshari area of West Midnapore district, passed away yesterday after fighting for her life for 18 days. Her family revealed that the victim consumed pesticide on October 24th, driven by the mental distress and taunts she allegedly faced from locals or the accused’s relatives following the assault.
The ordeal began in late August. The girl, who worked at a factory owned by the perpetrator and referred to him as “Uncle,” was allegedly lured by the accused under the pretext of taking her to the factory. He instead took her to a nearby forest, sexually assaulted her, and threatened her with dire consequences should she disclose the incident.
Initially, fear and shame kept the girl silent. However, on September 9th, she gathered the courage to reveal the truth to her family. A written police complaint was immediately filed, leading to the accused’s arrest the very next day and his subsequent judicial custody.
Despite the perpetrator being behind bars, the victim could not bear the heavy burden of social pressure and potential ostracization. After 18 critical days in the hospital, she succumbed to the poisoning on Tuesday evening. Her heartbroken family is now demanding that the accused receive the harshest penalty, not only for the assault but also for abetting her suicide. This tragedy reflects a collective societal failure to create a safe and dignified environment for female survivors in the country.
