Mentally challenged woman beaten up on suspicion of being child-lifter in West Bengal

Locals claimed that the woman was spotted in the neighbourhood a few times over the past few days and used candies to lure children.

A mentally challenged woman was beaten up in Jalpaiguri district of North Bengal on suspicion of being child-lifter, police said on Tuesday.

The bruised woman was taken to a hospital on Monday and was released after initial treatment. (Burhaan Kinu/HT file photo)

The incident occurred on Monday evening around 8 pm at Barogharia Gram Panchayat area in Dhupguri Block.

Locals claimed that the woman was spotted in the neighbourhood a few times over the past few days and used candies to lure children.

“There have been incidents of child trafficking here. We found that the woman was carrying several candies,” Samir Roy, a resident of Barogharia said.

The bruised woman was taken to a hospital on Monday and was released after initial treatment.

“We are investigating the incident. We have taken the woman into our custody,” Jalpaiguri superintendent of police Amitava Maity said.