A 15-year-old rape survivor from Keshiary in West Midnapore district, West Bengal, died on Tuesday evening, 18 days after allegedly consuming pesticide due to fear and social stigma. Police confirmed that the teen was undergoing treatment at Kharagpur Sub-divisional Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. The accused in the case was arrested soon after the complaint was filed and remains in judicial custody.

According to the police complaint lodged by the girl’s brother-in-law on September 9, the teen worked at a factory owned by the accused in Keshiary and often traveled with him on his motorcycle. The family said she considered him an uncle. Toward the end of August, the man allegedly lured her into a nearby forest under the pretext of work and raped her. He then threatened her with dire consequences if she revealed the incident to anyone.

Initially, out of fear and shame, the teen kept the assault a secret. However, after days of emotional distress, she confided in her family, who immediately reported the case to the police. The accused was arrested the following day, charged under relevant sections of the law, and remanded to judicial custody. The family said the girl remained traumatized by the assault and community gossip surrounding the incident.

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On October 24, the minor attempted suicide by ingesting pesticide at her home. She was first admitted to Keshiary Rural Hospital in critical condition before being shifted to Kharagpur Sub-divisional Hospital for intensive care. Despite 18 days of treatment, she died on Tuesday. Police said an autopsy was conducted, and a fresh investigation has been initiated to determine whether harassment or intimidation from the accused’s family or others contributed to her death.

A senior district police officer said the case remains under active investigation. “A case has been registered under specific sections, and the accused is already in judicial custody. We will thoroughly investigate all circumstances leading to the girl’s death,” the officer stated. Meanwhile, the victim’s family has demanded stern punishment for the accused for both the assault and abetment of suicide, calling for swift and exemplary action to ensure justice for the deceased minor.

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