Bengal: Big action in rape-murder case of minor in Baruipur, main accused killed in police encounter

Kolkata: A major development came to light on Tuesday in the case of rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Baruipur, West Bengal. Prabhash Mandal, the main accused in this sensational case, died in a police encounter. Police claim that while reconstructing the incident site, the accused snatched the service revolver of a policeman and tried to escape by firing at the police team. After this, he was injured in retaliation and later died.

According to police officials, around 12:45 pm on Tuesday, the team of Baruipur police station took the accused Prabhash Mandal to Suryapur area. There was to be reconstruction of the place from where the girl’s body was recovered. Police say that just as the reconstruction process was about to begin, the accused suddenly snatched a policeman’s weapon and opened fire on the police. After this he tried to run away from the spot. In retaliation, the police opened fire, in which the accused was seriously injured. He died later.

Girl’s body was found in a sack from the pond

This matter had shocked the entire area. A few days ago, the body of a 12-year-old girl was found packed in a sack in a pond. Initial investigation raised suspicion of rape and murder, after which the police arrested three people including Prabhash Mandal. After the incident came to light, there was huge anger among the local people and protests started at many places.

The mob had beaten a young man to death

A few hours after the girl’s body was found, an angry mob attacked a man named Indrajit Mandal, resulting in his death. Later, police investigation revealed that Indrajit Mandal had no connection with this rape and murder case. Police have arrested three people in this lynching case. Also, a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed for a detailed investigation of the entire incident.

Instructions to submit report within 72 hours

Amidst the increasing public anger regarding the matter, the state government has also adopted a strict stance. Officials have instructed the Director General of Police to submit the complete investigation report within 72 hours. It has also been said that if negligence is found at any level in investigation or registering a complaint, then strict action will be taken against the responsible officers. During the meeting with the victim’s family, the officials reviewed the entire case and took information about the progress of the investigation.

Indrajit Mandal’s family will also get justice

The investigating officers have clarified that Indrajit Mandal has been found innocent in the investigation so far. Therefore, his family has also been assured of getting justice. The administration says that those responsible for the mob murder will be prosecuted for murder.

Identification of those who spread violence

According to the administration, around 200 people who damaged public property and attacked police vehicles and railway tracks during the protests that followed the incident have been identified. Legal action will be taken against them and arrests will also be made soon. Investigating agencies claim that many important evidences, including call records, have been collected against those involved in inciting violence.

Police post will be built on the demand of the family

The victim’s family has demanded a permanent police post in the area so that such incidents can be prevented in future. The officials have assured that this police post will be inaugurated next time they come to Baruipur. Apart from this, consideration is also being given to providing financial assistance and other necessary help to the victim’s family and the family of Indrajit Mandal who was killed in mob violence. The administration has said that relief package and other assistance will be announced after meeting both the families again within a week.