The prime accused in the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in West Bengal’s Baruipur was killed.
In a police encounter early Tuesday after he allegedly snatched a police officer’s service weapon and opened fire while being taken to the crime scene for reconstruction, officials said.
The accused, Prabash Mondal, was one of three people arrested in connection with the brutal crime. The victim’s body was recovered from a pond in Surjyapur, stuffed inside a sack, sparking widespread outrage and violent protests across the area.
According to police, a team from Baruipur Police Station left around 12.45 am with Mondal to recreate the sequence of events leading to the crime. As the reconstruction was about to begin, Mondal allegedly grabbed a police officer’s firearm, fired a shot at the team and attempted to escape.
Police retaliated, shooting the accused during the exchange. He was taken to Baruipur Sub-Divisional Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Murder Sparks Public Outrage
The 12-year-old girl had been reported missing before her body was found on July 5. The gruesome discovery triggered widespread anger, with residents accusing the police of acting too slowly.
Hundreds of protesters blocked the Baruipur–Joynagar Road, set tyres ablaze and vandalised police vehicles, demanding swift justice for the victim.
The unrest took a tragic turn when an angry mob lynched a local man, Indrajit Mondal, suspecting him of involvement in the crime.
Police later clarified that Indrajit Mondal had no connection to the rape and murder. Three people have since been arrested in connection with the lynching.
SIT Formed to Probe Case
Authorities have constituted a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the rape and murder. The probe is continuing to establish the full sequence of events and the roles of all those arrested.
Senior police officials said the investigation remains active and further arrests could be made if new evidence emerges.
Mamata Banerjee Seeks Detailed Report
Amid mounting public anger, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee directed Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar to submit a detailed report on the case within 72 hours and warned that any negligence in the investigation would invite strict action.
After meeting the victim’s family, Banerjee said even the slightest lapse by the police would not be tolerated.
She also stated that police had identified around 200 people allegedly involved in the violence, including attacks on police personnel and damage to public property, and said legal action would follow.
Referring to the lynching of Indrajit Mondal, the chief minister said investigators had found him to be innocent and assured his family that those responsible for his killing would face murder charges.
Banerjee also announced that a new police outpost would be set up in Surjyapur following a request from the victim’s family. She said the government would also extend financial assistance and other support to both affected families after completing the necessary formalities.
The chief minister later visited police personnel injured during the violence and assured them of full support from the state government as the investigation continues.
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