Teen gang-raped by Insta friends, Three arrested, one at large

By Sagaya Fernando | May 1, 2025

 

Kolkata, India – A disturbing case of sexual violence has emerged from South Kolkata, where a 16-year-old schoolgirl with developmental challenges was allegedly gang-raped by four college-age acquaintances she met through a social media group. Three of the accused have been taken into custody, while a fourth remains at large.

The incident reportedly took place on December 19, 2024, but came to light only after the victim’s father, a software professional based in the United Kingdom, returned to India and lodged a formal complaint this week at the Rabindra Sarobar Police Station. The delay in reporting the crime, according to family sources, stemmed from concerns over the girl's mental health and fear of societal backlash.

The accused - Soham Banerjee (18), Rishi Agarwal (19), and Aryan Mishra (20) - were arrested from their residences on April 29. They face charges under India's Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, along with provisions of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to gang rape, criminal intimidation, and conspiracy.

Social Media Deception and Assault

According to the police complaint, the victim, who has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), was befriended on Instagram after being added to a group named “Sexy 2.0.” The boys allegedly used this connection to gain her trust and invited her to meet at Lake Mall, a popular commercial area in Kolkata.

Posing as friends, they later coerced her into accompanying them to a nearby guesthouse under the pretense of watching a movie and having lunch. Once there, the girl was forced to call her father to transfer money through UPI — a mobile payment system — to cover the cost of the rooms and alcohol. She was then allegedly raped by all four men in succession, with threats of leaking videos used to keep her silent.

Legal Proceedings and Investigations

Following the report, the Kolkata Police acted swiftly, arresting the three suspects who were produced before the local court and remanded to police custody until May 8, 2025. The investigation, led by Rabindra Sarobar Police and supported by cyber forensics, has already resulted in the seizure of mobile devices and digital evidence.

Bhaskar English quoted Anirban Guha Thakurta, legal counsel for the victim's family, saying: “The nature of the crime is deeply disturbing, involving manipulation, coercion, and premeditated assault.” He emphasized the need for accountability and called for the strictest legal punishment available under POCSO.

Guesthouse Under Scrutiny

The management of the guesthouse where the assault allegedly took place claims to have cooperated with police and provided CCTV footage, logbook entries, and transaction records. Questions are also being raised regarding how minors were allowed entry without valid identification.

Medical examinations have confirmed the assault, and the victim’s confidential statement is due to be recorded under judicial supervision in the coming days.

A Call for Broader Safeguards

The case has sent shockwaves through Kolkata, reigniting debates about adolescent safety, the misuse of digital platforms, and the systemic failure in monitoring guest accommodations. Mental health advocates have also highlighted the vulnerability of neurodivergent teens in online environments and the critical need for digital literacy and parental oversight.

Police are continuing their search for the fourth suspect, who is believed to have gone into hiding. Authorities have appealed to the public for any information that may aid in his apprehension.