Raiganj (West Bengal). Dilip Roy, an accused wanted in the case of rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl, was killed in a police encounter in Raiganj of North Dinajpur district of West Bengal. On Monday, videos and photographs of the incident surfaced, showing bullet marks on the police vehicle. Police claim that the accused started firing after seeing the team that had arrived for the arrest. In retaliation, he was shot and died in hospital.
Bullet marks seen on police vehicle
In the visuals that emerged, a police vehicle was seen at the scene. Bullet marks are being reported in and around the tires of the vehicle. According to the police, the bullet of the accused hit the tire of the police vehicle. However, the video footage of the incident does not provide independent confirmation of the full circumstances of the encounter.
The accused was trying to run towards Bihar border
According to police officials, Dilip Roy was a suspect in the case of rape and murder of a minor girl. Police had received information that he was hiding in an area near Gauri Gram Panchayat and was trying to exit the state through the Bihar border.
The police team raided the area around 3:30 am on Monday. Police allege that when they were surrounded, Dilip opened fire on the team. After this the policemen retaliated, in which he was injured. He was taken to Raiganj Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
12 year old girl was missing since November 3
The case began on November 3, when the 12-year-old girl left home on a bicycle but did not return. The family members searched for him. His body was found in the forest near Kulik River on 5 November. The condition of the dead body was bad. The post mortem has also revealed that rape was confirmed. The police had taken action in the case under the POCSO Act.
Father expressed satisfaction over police action
The girl's father expressed gratitude to the police administration after the death of the accused. He said that the police had given a deadline to nab the accused and found him within the stipulated time. The father also expressed his grief over the incident that happened to his daughter.
Fourth encounter in Bengal within five months
The Raiganj incident is being reported as the fourth case of death of an accused in a police encounter after the formation of BJP government in West Bengal. Earlier, such incidents were reported in Baruipur of South 24 Parganas in July, Gaighata of North 24 Parganas on October 27 and Samsherganj of Murshidabad district.
Political rhetoric is also continuing regarding these continuous encounters in the state. The government is emphasizing on strict police action, while the opposition is raising questions about the circumstances and legal process of such incidents.