Hotel Parijat Vandalised: Owner JP Das Arrested as Mob Fury Erupts Over Rescued Minor Girl

A 16-year-old girl, reported missing since March, was rescued from the ‘Parijat Hotel and Restaurant’ in Lathigram, Cachar, last night (June 16). Following the rescue, an angry mob vandalised the premises, alleging that the restaurant owner had been forcing the minor into illicit activities.

The owner of the restaurant, identified as Dr Jayanta Prasad Das, was apprehended by the public while attempting to flee. He was later handed over to the police, who arrived in large numbers to bring the situation under control.

The victim, a resident of Dudhpatil, Durga Nagar GP, had been missing for several months, with a formal First Information Report (FIR) previously lodged by her family. Acting on a tip-off, the girl’s family members and local residents tracked her to the restaurant. Upon their arrival, they discovered the minor inside one of the rooms.

Locals alleged that Dr Das had been using his establishment as a front for illegal activities for an extended period. Witnesses claimed that the restaurant has been sealed by the administration on previous occasions, only to reopen later under mysterious circumstances.

The situation turned volatile shortly after the rescue, as a crowd gathered at the site. The mob damaged property within the restaurant before pursuing the owner, who attempted to escape into a nearby field. He was subsequently detained by the locals and handed over to the authorities.

Additional Superintendent of Police, Rajat Kumar Pal, confirmed the incident and the recovery of the minor.

“We received information and arrived at the scene. The girl has been recovered and he is now in police custody,” said ASP Pal. “We have arrested the accused, Dr Jayanta Prasad Das. A thorough investigation is underway, and if evidence of wrongdoing is found, we will ensure the strictest possible legal action is taken against those involved.”

Local leaders, including the Gaon Panchayat President of Dudhpatil, have urged the Chief Minister of Assam, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, to permanently revoke the restaurant’s operating licence and conduct a detailed inquiry into its past operations.