6 convicted in Haldia minor trafficking case, main accused gets life imprisonment

A special court in Haldia, West Bengal, on November 8, 2024, convicted six individuals in connection with the trafficking and exploitation of a 16-year-old girl. The case, which had been under investigation since October 26, 2017, involved the victim being lured from her home and transported through Delhi to Agra, where she was sold into a brothel. The investigation was led by the West Bengal CID, which filed charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA), and several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Special public prosecutor Deb Ranjan Banerjee represented the victim during the trial, ensuring that the victim’s voice was heard throughout the proceedings.

The main accused in the case, Shahjamal Molla, was sentenced to life imprisonment, which means he will remain in prison for the rest of his life. The court also sentenced Shalu Singh to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. The other four convicted individuals—Praveen Kumar alias Rinku, Manisha, Mary, and Shahnaz Begum alias Indu—received sentences of 12 years of rigorous imprisonment each. These individuals were found guilty of trafficking, sexual exploitation, abduction, and other related offenses. One of the accused was acquitted due to benefit of doubt, as the court found insufficient evidence to prove his involvement.

In addition to the convictions, the court ordered that the victim be compensated with ₹3 lakh. This compensation is meant to provide financial support to the victim as she recovers from the traumatic experience. The court emphasized the long-term psychological and physical damage caused by the crime and acknowledged the need for support to help the victim rebuild her life. The compensation will be paid directly to the victim and is expected to assist her in her rehabilitation process.

The case was registered under Haldia police station case number 109/2017 and involved extensive legal procedures. The accused faced charges under several laws, including trafficking, abduction, sexual exploitation, and conspiracy. The case was initially investigated by local police before the West Bengal CID took over due to the severity of the crime. The court also reviewed testimonies from key witnesses and examined evidence, including phone records and documents related to the victim’s transportation and sale.