A 34-year-old man, Rajib Ghosh, alias Gobra, has been arrested in connection with the alleged rape of a seven-month-old infant in North Kolkata. The arrest, executed by local police on Wednesday, followed a meticulous investigation that utilised advanced technology to analyse grainy CCTV footage and the suspect’s distinct limping gait.
The incident occurred on November 30, when local residents discovered the injured infant crying on a footpath near Beadon Street. Upon being alerted, police swiftly transported the child to R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment for severe injuries, including marks indicating sexual assault. Medical professionals have reported that her condition is stable.
Police began their investigation by reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity of Sovabazar and Burtolla, where the crime took place. They identified Ghosh crossing the crime scene multiple times and employed “Walking Gait” analysis to compare his walking pattern with that captured on video. This analysis revealed a noticeable limp, which was crucial in establishing his identity as a suspect. The footage was shared with police stations across West Bengal to aid in the identification process.
Following a complaint filed by the infant’s mother, authorities registered a case under stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The investigation involved interviewing over 110 locals and gathering circumstantial evidence to build a comprehensive case against Ghosh. Police are also exploring the possibility of additional suspects being involved in this heinous act.
