Case background
In October 2024, the lifeless body of a six‑year‑old girl was uncovered inside a deserted warehouse located in the Daladabari area of Jaigaon, Alipurduar. Subsequent investigations pointed to the child’s neighbours as the chief suspects in what police described as a vicious rape followed by murder.
Investigation and arrests
Authorities determined that the crime was a pre‑meditated kidnapping, noting that the principal accused had enticed the child with false promises. Critical evidence—including CCTV footage, forensic reports and DNA testing—underpinned the case. Bablu Mian was the first to be taken into custody, with Zaidul Islam, Manir Hussain and Majibul Sheikh arrested thereafter.
The probe recorded statements from twenty‑two eyewitnesses, bolstering the material proof and confirming the participation of all four men.
Trial and sentencing
After roughly eighteen months of deliberation, the fast‑track bench delivered its judgment. Prosecutor Debaranjan Bandyopadhyay had pressed for the harshest punishments permissible under law.
Finding the prosecution’s evidence compelling, the court sentenced Bablu Mian to death. The three remaining defendants—Zaidul Islam, Manir Hussain and Majibul Sheikh—were each handed life imprisonment. The bench rejected the claim that the victim’s corpse had been incinerated, as the allegation could not be proved beyond reasonable doubt.
Beyond the custodial penalties, the state government was ordered to compensate the victim’s family with ₹6 lakh. The mother of the child expressed that the family had sought the severest possible retribution.
While the fast‑track verdict concludes the trial at this level, the convicted individuals retain the right to challenge the decision in higher courts.
