The main accused in the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in West Bengal’s Baruipur was shot dead by police early Tuesday after he allegedly tried to escape during a crime scene reconstruction.
According to police, accused Prabash Mondal was taken to Surjyapur around 12:45 am to recreate the sequence of events related to the crime. Before the reconstruction began, he allegedly grabbed a police officer’s service weapon, fired at the police team, and tried to flee.
Police then opened fire in self-defence, injuring Mondal. He was taken to Baruipur Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Prabash Mondal was one of the three people arrested after the body of the 12-year-old girl was found inside a sack near a pond in Surjyapur. The girl had gone missing on July 4.
The incident sparked massive protests in the area. Angry residents blocked roads, set tyres on fire, and damaged police vehicles while demanding strict action against the accused.
During the protests, an angry mob beat a man, later identified as Indrajit Mondal, to death after suspecting him of being involved in the crime. Police later said he was innocent. Three people have been arrested in connection with the mob killing, and a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the entire case.
Amid public outrage, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directed the Director General of Police to submit a report within 72 hours. He said strict action would be taken if any negligence was found during the investigation.
The Chief Minister also confirmed that police found Indrajit Mondal was not involved in the crime and assured justice for his family.
He said around 200 people involved in violence, vandalism, and damage to public property during the protests have been identified and will be arrested. Those involved in the lynching of the innocent man will face murder charges.
During his visit to Baruipur, the Chief Minister met the victim’s family. He said a police outpost will be set up in Surjyapur as requested by the family. He also assured financial assistance and other support, which will be announced after meeting both affected families again within a week.
The Chief Minister further claimed that people linked to opposition parties and anti-national groups had encouraged the violence. He said investigators have collected evidence, including call records, related to the incident.
Later, he also visited police personnel who were injured during the protests and assured them of full support. Family members of both the victim and the innocent man who was lynched said they were satisfied with the government’s promise to ensure justice.
