The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has claimed that party chief and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was prevented from visiting Baruipur, where she planned to meet the family of a 12-year-old girl who was allegedly raped and murdered.
In a post on X, the TMC said a large number of police personnel and barricades were placed outside Mamata Banerjee‘s residence after authorities learned about her planned visit.
The party said that despite the restrictions, it remains committed to seeking justice for the victim. It also said that Mamata Banerjee stands with the victim’s family and wants to ensure they get justice.
The case has sparked outrage across the state. The 12-year-old girl from Baruipur’s Surjyapur area was reported missing after she left home on Saturday to buy a birthday gift for a friend. When she did not return, her family searched for her through the night. They also claimed that four men had taken her away and alleged that their requests for help were not properly acted upon by the police.
According to police, local residents caught one of the suspects on Sunday morning. During questioning, he allegedly revealed where the girl’s body had been hidden. The body was later found inside a sack near a pond in the Surjyapur Haat area.
Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case.
The discovery of the girl’s body led to protests in the area. Angry residents blocked the Baruipur-Joynagar Road, set tyres on fire and damaged several police vehicles. A heavy police force was deployed to bring the situation under control.
Inspector General of Police Kankarprasad Barui appealed to the protesters to remain calm and assured them that everyone involved in the crime would be arrested. He said police teams were carrying out raids and promised that strict action would be taken against the accused.
Police have arrested four people in connection with the case. They have also detained local BJP worker Shantanu Mandal for questioning. After police assured the protesters of a proper investigation, the victim’s body was sent for post-mortem.
TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee also criticised the BJP over the incident. He alleged that political influence was affecting the investigation and questioned the BJP’s promises of ensuring women’s safety.
He said the incident was deeply disturbing and demanded justice for the victim.
The BJP and the administration have not yet responded to the TMC’s allegations.
