Jalpaiguri child trafficking case: Mrinal Ghosh, Dr Debashish Chandra sent to 6-day police custody

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“Ghosh took advantage of his position as district child protection officer. He would shift children at Chandana’s home without even maintaining a record. Once the deal was finalised, the money would automatically be transferred to Ghosh’s account,” said a source. Although the agency requested a 14-day custody period, the court kept it at six.

Ghosh’s wife Sashmita Ghosh, a Jalpaiguri district child protection officer, was released after questioning on Saturday. Officials say they haven’t ruled out her possible involvement in the case yet.

Meanwhile, prime accused Chandana Chakraborty, Sonali Mondal and Chandana’s brother Manas Bhowmick were also produced in court. They were sent to 14-day jail custody.

CID is also investigating the role of a certain Ravindra whose name also figured in a receipt issued by North Block in New Delhi. The receipt is evidence of Juhi and Chandana’s association when they visited New Delhi.

Statements from Juhi’s uncle Surendra Narayan Chowdhury, his son Sukanta Chowdhury and Papiya Chowdhuri have been recorded in court . As per sources, these three are likely to be treated as witnesses in the case. In February, more than Rs 1 lakh were transferred to their accounts on Juhi’s instruction, said officials. The details of these transactions were submitted before authorities after Juhi’s arrest, he added.