An abduction of a minor girl in the Churaibari area on the Tripura-Assam border has sparked agitation and concern in Tripura's North District.

Although the 13-year-old victim was rescued, the prime suspect has not been apprehended.

The incident occurred shortly after sunset on Thursday, the day of Eid, when Sharif Uddin (22), a resident of Khadimpara in East Phulbari Gram Panchayat’s Ward No. 2 under Churaibari Police Station jurisdiction, abducted the girl. A written complaint was lodged by the minor’s mother at Churaibari Police Station.

The family alleges local Panchayat member Ayaz Ali pressured them to withdraw the complaint. It is also claimed that Ali played an active role in rescuing the girl from the Tongchhara area on Friday night and transferring her to the police station.

Local residents protested at the Churaibari Police Station demanding a fair investigation and strict action against the culprits. They stated that Sharif Uddin was employed at a stone-crushing unit owned by Ayaz Ali, raising questions about Ali’s possible involvement in the case. The community has warned of organising protests if police fail to act.

Residents allege that similar disappearances or abductions of minor girls have occurred repeatedly in the area, suggesting the possible operation of an organised human trafficking ring. Immediate arrest of Sharif Uddin and other implicated individuals is demanded.

The police have completed the medical examination of the minor and launched an investigation. Despite conducting a raid at the accused’s residence on Friday night, Sharif Uddin was not captured. The case has caused tension and unrest in the Churaibari area.

Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Dharmanagar, Jayanta Karmakar, stated that the kidnapping was reported at Churaibari Police Station on May 29, 2026, and a case was registered. “Under the leadership of Churaibari Police, a team comprising police personnel, with the assistance of local people, successfully recovered the missing minor girl on the same night of May 29. She was found in a village within the Hulashicherra area, near the Assam border. After completing the necessary legal formalities, she has been handed over to her legal parents. Regarding the accused individuals, we are conducting special drives and will be arresting the responsible person very shortly,” he said.