A family in Behala was allegedly assaulted by local youths who came to extort money while a puja was being performed at their residence early on Tuesday.

The women in the family were allegedly sexually assaulted, police said.

One of the women lodged a complaint of physical and sexual assault against nine persons at Behala police station on Tuesday.

The police said two persons named in the complaint were arrested until Tuesday evening. “Search is on for the others,” said a police officer.

According to the complaint, a group of men came to their house on Monday evening. A larger group returned around 1am, allegedly demanding money.

“The group restrained the complainant and her family members and physically assaulted them. The complainant and other women in the house were allegedly sexually harassed and inappropriately touched. They allegedly threatened the family members and abused them,” said an officer of Kolkata Police.

The incident raises questions about the safety of citizens in their homes and neighbourhoods.

“They came at night and started creating trouble. They assaulted my husband and women in the family,” said the 36-year-old complainant.

Extortion on any pretext, like puja, have allegedly become a pattern in the state.