E-rickshaw driver arrested for rape and murder of minor in New Town

New Town police have arrested e-rickshaw driver Soumit Roy for the rape and murder of a minor girl, whose semi-nude body was found in a bush near Lohapur on Friday morning. The arrest was made on Saturday night after the accused’s wife provided key information about the crime. Police officials confirmed that Roy had abducted the girl from Jagatpur and moved her to different locations for nearly three hours before killing her.

According to investigators, Roy strangled the minor using a car spring before sexually assaulting her while she was still alive but critically injured. He then tied her up, stuffed her body into a sack, and abandoned it in a dense forested area of New Town. His wife, during interrogation, claimed, "He told me everything himself," adding that she had been married to him for 13 months.

Further investigations revealed that Roy had a prior criminal record and had served 8 months and 15 days in jail. His wife alleged that after his release, he continued to prey on girls. Police are now examining whether he was involved in similar past offenses. Authorities have sent the victim’s body for forensic examination, and a detailed autopsy report is awaited.