10 minors run away for social media relationships, rescued in Medinipur

West Medinipur police have rescued 10 minor girls from different locations within just 25 days in the Anandpur police station area, marking a significant success in tackling runaway cases linked to social media relationships. All the rescued girls have been produced before the Child Welfare Committee and sent to a government shelter home.

According to police sources, the minors came into contact with others through social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. What began as online friendships gradually turned into romantic relationships, prompting the girls to leave their homes and travel to different places without informing their families. One of the cases involved a secondary examination student who had reportedly run away with her boyfriend only days before her exams. During the investigation, police detained and questioned a relative of the accused, which eventually led to the girl being rescued near the Keshpur bus stand.

Families of the victims have expressed deep concern over the dangers involved. One father said his daughter had gone to school but never returned, fearing she could have fallen prey to serious crimes or human trafficking without timely police intervention. District officials noted that child marriage and minors leaving home remain pressing concerns, despite awareness programmes like Kanyashree Club and Bandhu Mahal, and urged parents to closely monitor online activities and maintain open communication.