Molest accused tries to kill self

KOLKATA: A 37-year-old man employed with an electricity distribution company and doubling up as a medical practitioner allegedly tried to commit suicide inside Tangra police station on Thursday night. Police had arrested him a few days ago for reportedly molesting a 12-year-old girl. His family, however, claimed that he was beaten up in the custody by police .
The cops had initially sent him to the NRS hospital, but he was shifted to a private hospital after his condition deteriorated. A separate case of attempt to suicide has now been registered at against him. Confirming the suicide bid, DC (southeast) Debabrata Das said the incident was being probed.
According to sources, Navin Kumar Mitra, a resident of Entally, was arrested on November 21. He was sent to police custody till November 30. "A 12-year-old girl, his neighbour, was returning home when the accused molested her in March this year. The girl was left traumatized. She did not report the incident immediately. However, several days later, the child confided to her father. The victim's family then registered an FIR under IPC section 354 (molestation) and we arrested the victim," an investigating officer told TOI.
On Thursday night, the guards posted outside the lock-up saw that Mitra was violently striking his head against the wall. "He was under a lot of stress. He claimed the victim's family had framed him. The guards opened the lock and rescued him. Later, based on a witness's accounts, a separate case was registered against Mitra," added the officer. DC Das denied that there was any police excess involved. "It is a case of attempted suicide. Even medical records of hospitalization prove the same," he said.
Sources said that a recent WBHRC order has meant that the police have been extra cautious in this incident. The commission had recommended compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of Aminul - who was reportedly helping a 16-year-old rape victim in her fight for justice - was allegedly harassed by officials of Karaya police station in south-east Kolkata and also implicated him in a false case of dacoity, the commission had said.
"Keeping in mind that someone might move the commission, we have already prepared our evidences in this case," another officer added.