Pradhan Nagar police detain accused; POCSO charges, DNA testing and support measures initiated
Siliguri: Pradhan Nagar police have arrested a man after a young woman lodged a complaint alleging a relationship that began when she was a minor, a promise of marriage that was not kept and subsequent abandonment of the woman and their child, reported police on Friday.
The accused has been identified as Shubham Gupta, who was produced before the Siliguri court following his arrest, police said. A case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and an investigation is underway.
- Police registered a POCSO case after the woman filed a complaint at Pradhan Nagar Police Station.
- Authorities said DNA testing of the child and the accused will be initiated.
- Police have also started arranging support for the mother and child through an NGO for their safety and care.
According to the complaint, the woman alleged the accused entered into a relationship with her when she was a minor after promising to marry her.
As set out in the complaint, the woman became pregnant and gave birth to a child in January 2024. She alleged that the accused subsequently distanced himself and refused to marry her or acknowledge the child. The couple, the complaint says, travelled to Delhi at the accused's behest but the promise of marriage was not fulfilled after they reached there.
After nearly two years of struggle, the woman returned to Siliguri with her child on 15 August 2026 and contacted the accused again. Following an alleged refusal to marry or accept responsibility, she approached Pradhan Nagar Police Station and lodged the complaint that led to the arrest of Gupta on 28 August 2026.
| Event | Date (as per complaint/report) |
|---|---|
| Childbirth | January 2024 |
| Return to Siliguri with child | 15 August 2026 |
| Arrest produced before court | 28 August 2026 |
Police sources confirmed the next investigative steps will include DNA testing to ascertain parentage. Authorities further said the process to arrange welfare support via a non-governmental organisation for the safety, shelter and care of the mother and child has commenced.
The case invokes the POCSO Act because, according to the complaint, the relationship began when the woman was a minor. The Act provides for special procedures for investigation and trial in offences involving children and prescribes strict punishments.
Local child-welfare and gender-safety concerns have been prominent in Siliguri, which lies at the intersection of several districts and sees large population movement. Law-enforcement officials told reporters they will follow statutory protocols during investigation, including medical examinations, preservation of evidence and support for the complainant.
The arrest comes amid renewed emphasis by state and district agencies on enforcing child-protection laws. Police also indicated procedural formalities, including the DNA process and coordination with the court, will be completed as the investigation progresses.
Further details, including statements from the accused or from any legal representative, were not provided in the initial police report made public on Friday. The complaint and the subsequent registration of a POCSO case remain central to the ongoing inquiry.
Residents in Pradhan Nagar said they were aware of the matter after police action was reported, and community concerns on child safety and social support for single mothers have resurfaced in neighbourhood discussions. Authorities said they would update the court and that any additional measures for the welfare of the child and the complainant would be coordinated through the police and the NGO engaged in the case.
