While the incident took place on August 14, the complaint was lodged on Monday evening at Moynaguri police station, sources said. (Representational) While the incident took place on August 14, the complaint was lodged on Monday evening at Moynaguri police station, sources said. (Representational)

A woman was allegedly gangraped by a local Panchayat member and his three associates when she had demanded “cut money” refund from him in Jalpaiguri district, said police. While the incident took place on August 14, the complaint was lodged on Monday evening at Moynaguri police station, sources said.

No arrest has been made yet and all the four accused are absconding, said police.

According to sources, the accused, Mohammad BulBul Alam, had allegedly assured the woman of providing a house under the Gitanjali Awas Yojna. The scheme, launched by the state government, provides free shelter to the poor.

Alam allegedly took nearly Rs 7,000 from the woman as “cut money” and promised her a house soon. But the woman allegedly neither got a house nor the money back from Alam. It has been alleged that she would regularly mount pressure on the accused, asking for a refund of the money.

“According to the complaint, Alam had asked the woman to meet him at an isolated place on August 14. When she reached there, the accused and three of his friends allegedly gangraped her,” said a police official.

Sources said the woman was also threatened to keep the matter a secret. However, when her family members came to know about the incident, they took her to the police station to file a complaint.

“We have received a complaint. The victim has undergone medical examination. We are waiting for the medical reports. Hunt is on to trace the accused,” said a senior police officer from Jalpaiguri.

Three accused have been identified as Zaidul Islam, Jainal Abedin and Afidul Haq.

📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines

For all the latest India News, download Indian Express App.