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 girl’s neighbours as the chief suspects in what officials described as a vicious act of rape followed by murder.
Investigation and arrests
Police determined that the crime was a premeditated kidnapping, noting that the prime accused had enticed the child with false promises. Key evidence—including CCTV recordings, forensic reports, and DNA matches—formed the backbone of the case. Bablu Mian was the first to be taken into custody, with Zaidul Islam, Manir Hussain and Majibul Sheikh apprehended shortly thereafter.
During the probe, statements from twenty‑two eyewitnesses were recorded, bolstering the material proof and confirming the participation of all four men.
Trial and sentencing
The fast‑track bench deliberated for roughly eighteen months before pronouncing its verdict. Prosecutor Debaranjan Bandyopadhyay had pressed for the severest punishments permitted by law.
Finding the collective evidence overwhelming, the court sentenced Bablu Mian to death. The remaining three co‑accused—Zaidul Islam, Manir Hussain and Majibul Sheikh—were each sentenced to life imprisonment. The judiciary rejected the prosecution’s claim that the corpse had been incinerated, as the allegation could not be conclusively established.
Beyond the custodial penalties, the state government was directed to compensate the grieving family with ₹6 lakh. The victim’s mother expressed that the family had hoped for the harshest possible retribution.
While this judgment concludes the proceedings at the fast‑track court, the convicted individuals retain the right to challenge the decision in higher courts.
