Harrowing Experience of Dutch Man In Nadia | A Dutch national’s dream to meet a West Bengal girl he befriended online turned into a distressing experience when locals, alarmed by his presence, reported him to the police in Nadia district’s Tehatta.
Henricks, a 37-year-old man from Amsterdam, had connected with the girl, unaware that she was a minor, through social media. Their digital friendship soon blossomed, prompting him to travel thousands of kilometres to meet her in person. However, what he expected to be a friendly visit quickly spiraled into a situation filled with suspicion, police questioning, and personal humiliation.
Six-Hour Search Sparks Local Panic
After arriving in Kolkata on Sunday, Henricks travelled to Mayapur in Nadia district on Monday and made his way to Tehatta, where he believed the girl lived. Without her exact address, he wandered the area for nearly six hours, even waiting outside a local high school in hopes of meeting her.
His prolonged presence in the rural locality where foreigners are rarely seen—raised alarm among residents. “I felt humiliated and disrespectful and the people of Tehatta are merciless without any thought of consequences,” the India Today quoted Henricks as saying.
Local residents alerted the police, and Henricks was taken to Tehatta police station for questioning.
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Police Verify Identity, But Meeting Denied
According to Inspector Avijit Biswas, Henricks cooperated fully during the verification process. He presented all necessary travel documents, including a valid visa and passport, and showed the girl’s social media profile to establish the purpose of his visit.
“During questioning nothing could be found suspicious. As a foreign national, we showed him full respect. But the father of the girl wasn’t willing to allow him to meet his daughter, so we could not help him out as the girl is a minor. So, after clearing the verification process, we allowed him to leave with respect,” a police official confirmed.
Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing, Henricks expressed deep disappointment and a sense of being unwelcome in the country. “I’m not looking for attention or any fame, I just wanted to meet my friend only. That’s it. But it’s ruined now. Thanks for everything. I will be leaving India tomorrow with no plans of returning here in the future anymore,” he said.
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‘India Will Get Nowhere If This Continues’
Frustrated and disheartened, Henricks criticised the way he was treated. “I didn’t feel welcome here, I didn’t feel respected. I felt humiliated, disrespected and, really, the people of Tehatta are merciless without any thought of consequences. They can ruin life instantly without even caring,” he stated.
His experience serves as a stark reminder of the complex social dynamics and sensitivities involved in international visits sparked by online connections, especially when minors are involved.
