Tension and concern have gripped Narabunia village under the jurisdiction of Jibantala Police Station after three Muslim youths were allegedly assaulted, kidnapped, and robbed by a group of unidentified assailants in an incident that has sparked allegations of religiously motivated violence and police inaction.
Three Youths Allegedly Attacked Near Viral Bridge
The victims — Rajibul Molla, Zahir Molla, and Hafizul Molla — all residents of Narabunia village in the Canning subdivision of South 24 Parganas, were reportedly attacked on the evening of May 28 near the Viral Bridge connecting Mitakhali and Maukhali.
According to family members, the three youths were sitting beneath a tree near the bridge and looking at their mobile phones when a group of young men approached them and allegedly questioned them about their names and identities.
The families claim that after discovering the youths were Muslims, the group launched a violent assault.
Families Allege Kidnapping, Extortion and Robbery
The victims and their families alleged that the attackers forcibly abducted the three youths after beating them and took them to a secluded location. There, they allegedly demanded ₹50,000 from the families in exchange for their release.
The assailants are also accused of looting three mobile phones, ₹15,000 in cash, and two motorcycles belonging to the victims.
Victim Alleges Forced Video Recording
Speaking about the ordeal, injured victim Rajibul Molla recounted the incident.
“We were kidnapped and taken away against our will. They demanded money from us, and when we refused to pay, they repeatedly beat us. The three of us were taken to different locations and assaulted. They forced me to hold a gun while recording a video and made me say offensive things on camera. I do not know who the attackers were,” he said.
Families Accuse Police of Inaction
The families of the victims have expressed frustration over what they describe as a lack of action by law enforcement authorities.
Hossain Molla, father of one of the injured youths, said he approached Canning Police Station at around 8 p.m. on the night of the incident and informed officers about the alleged kidnapping and assault.
However, he claimed that only a General Diary (GD) entry was registered and that no formal FIR has yet been filed.
“My son was nearly killed, yet the police have not registered an FIR. Several days have passed, but none of the accused have been arrested. The looted mobile phones, cash, and motorcycles have not been recovered either,” he alleged.
Human Rights Activists Demand Immediate Action
The incident has drawn condemnation from local human rights activists, who have called for swift intervention by law enforcement agencies.
Human rights activist Hossain Gazi told The Observer Post that those responsible for the alleged crime must be brought to justice without delay.
“The accused should be arrested immediately, brought under the law, and given strict punishment. The ₹15,000 in cash, three mobile phones, and two motorcycles allegedly looted from the victims should also be recovered and returned,” he said.
Rights Groups Raise Concerns Over Communal Harmony
Gazi further emphasized that India is a country where all citizens are entitled to equal rights regardless of their religious identity.
“The administration must take firm action against anyone attempting to spread hatred and division on the basis of religion. Such incidents threaten social harmony and the constitutional principles of equality and justice,” he added.
According to Gazi, a human rights organization submitted a written memorandum to the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Canning, the Inspector-in-Charge of Canning Police Station, and the district police administration in Baruipur demanding immediate action in the case.
Demands for Probe and Arrests Intensify
The absence of arrests and the lack of an official response have further intensified questions about the progress of the investigation.
Local residents and rights groups are now demanding a thorough probe into the incident, prompt registration of a formal case, recovery of the allegedly stolen property, and the identification and arrest of those responsible.
