Baruipur rape and murder: One of the three accused in the alleged rape and murder of a minor girl in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district died after police opened fire during the reconstruction of the crime scene on Tuesday, officials said.
According to Hindustan Times, the accused, identified as Prabhas Mondal, was being escorted by police to reconstruct the sequence of events linked to the case when he allegedly attempted to snatch a service firearm from a police personnel and flee from custody.
Police personnel opened fire, injuring Mondal. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead, officials said.
The development comes amid an ongoing investigation into the death of a minor girl whose body was recovered from the Surjyapur Haat area in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas, on Sunday, a day after she was reported missing.
The incident triggered protests by local residents, who demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible. Police subsequently arrested three men in connection with the case.
Investigation underway
According to Hindustan Times, investigators suspect that one of the accused had taken the minor to a shack where the two other accused were present before the alleged crime.
Police are questioning the accused and are attempting to establish the sequence of events by examining witness statements, evidence collected from the crime scene and forensic material.
A preliminary post-mortem examination indicated that the victim had drowned while she was still alive. However, investigators have said the exact cause and circumstances of her death will be confirmed only after forensic and viscera examination reports are received. Police are also analysing injuries noted during the preliminary medical examination.
Chief Minister seeks police accountability
Following the incident, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari held a virtual meeting with police officials across the state, including officers in charge of police stations, and stressed the need for strict adherence to legal procedures, Hindustan Times reported.
Addressing the officials, Adhikari said such crimes must be prevented and directed police personnel to follow established legal guidelines while handling cases.
The Chief Minister also sought a detailed report on the police response after the victim’s family reported her missing. According to him, the girl’s parents lodged a missing complaint at the Baruipur police station at around 11.50 pm on Saturday, several hours after she disappeared.
Adhikari said he had directed the Director General of Police to submit a report within 72 hours. He added that if the inquiry finds any negligence on the part of police officers after the missing complaint was filed, strict action would be initiated against those responsible.
Case draws widespread attention
The alleged rape and murder of the minor has sparked widespread outrage in West Bengal, with demands for swift justice and accountability. The death of one of the accused during police custody is also expected to come under scrutiny as the investigation into both the alleged crime and the police firing continues.
