An abandoned industrial complex became the scene of a chilling crime in West Bengal on Friday evening, when a 16-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted inside the defunct Hindmotor factory premises in Uttarpara, triggering swift police action and a sharp political exchange between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Police arrested a local man, Dipankar Adhikari, also known as Sonai, under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act shortly after the complaint was filed. The assault, which unfolded in the deserted factory grounds, has once again brought the spotlight on safety concerns and the politicisation of criminal cases in the state.

According to investigators, the minor had gone to the factory premises with a friend when they were intercepted by Adhikari and two other men. The accused allegedly posed as a civic volunteer to assert authority, threatened the boy accompanying the girl and forced him to leave the area. Once the girl was isolated, she was sexually assaulted inside the abandoned industrial site.

The victim has undergone a medical examination and her statement has been recorded. Adhikari was produced before the Serampore Court, while police teams are searching for the two other men who were present at the scene at the time of the incident.

The arrest soon escalated into a political flashpoint.

The BJP alleged that the accused was linked to the Trinamool Congress, claiming he was seen attending party programmes and had photographs with local leaders. BJP leaders argued that such proximity to the ruling party emboldens offenders and fosters a sense of impunity.

The Trinamool Congress denied any association with the accused, saying Adhikari held no organisational position in the party. Local leaders said people often seek visibility by posing with politicians, but such photographs cannot be treated as proof of political patronage. The party said it supports strict punishment and that the law must take its course.

Reacting sharply, BJP leader Smriti Irani launched a broader attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, questioning the government’s priorities. “Has the public of Bengal ever seen their Chief Minister arrive at a scene with the police where a woman has been harassed?” Irani said, adding that such urgency was seen during other high-profile investigations, but not in cases involving women’s safety.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and assured that all those involved in the crime would be brought to justice.