Desk Correspondent , Kolkata - A 40-year-old jawan of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was arrested on Monday for allegedly attempting to sexually assault a 10-year-old girl after luring her with promises of mangoes near a CISF camp in Asansol, sparking outrage and protests by local residents. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in the Lal Bazar area near Shitalpur, close to CISF residential quarters in West Burdwan district.  The incident triggered immediate anger among locals, who gathered outside the CISF camp demanding strict action against the jawan.

According to reports, the victim and her 5-year-old companion had gone to pluck raw mangoes in a garden adjacent to the camp. The accused, identified as Ramakant Vishwakarma, approached the two girls and lured them with offers of more mangoes. He then took them on his scooter to a nearby quarter.Inside the quarter, Vishwakarma allegedly asked the younger child to wait outside and attempted to sexually assault the 10-year-old girl. The minor raised an alarm, forcing the accused to flee the spot on his scooter.

The girl's father, accompanied by local Trinamool Congress (TMC) trade union leader Ratan Masih, lodged a complaint at the Saktoria outpost of Kulti police station. Police acted swiftly, detaining Vishwakarma within hours and formally arresting him. A case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The accused, who was on regular deployment for security at nearby coal mines and had no connection with election-related duties, is expected to be produced before a local court.

Protesters blocked the road at Shitalpur Gate No. 3, continuing the blockade until the arrest was confirmed. Local TMC leader Chandan Acharya said tensions rose in the area but police intervention helped bring the situation under control. No major violence was reported during the protests. The victim's family and locals have demanded exemplary punishment and enhanced security measures around the camp area to prevent such incidents in the future.