A significant development has emerged in the investigation into the gang-rape and murder of a minor girl in Baruipur, as one of the prime accused, Prabhas Mondal, was killed during a police encounter early today. The arrest of another accused, Kabir Molla, has taken the total number of arrests in the case to four.
According to police sources, Prabhas had earlier been identified through CCTV footage showing him walking with the victim, which led to his arrest. During interrogation, information provided by him helped investigators recover the minor’s body a day after her disappearance from a pond near railway tracks, where it had been stuffed inside a sack. Locals alleged that Prabhas himself had guided the police to the location.
In the wee hours of Wednesday, police took Prabhas to Suryapur in Baruipur to reconstruct the crime scene. At around 1 am, he allegedly snatched a firearm from a police officer and fired at the investigating team. As he attempted to flee, police retaliated in self-defense, injuring him with gunfire. He was rushed to Baruipur Sub-divisional Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Legal procedures in connection with the encounter have since been initiated.
Investigators stated that Prabhas had been providing crucial leads regarding the whereabouts of other accused individuals, although he frequently changed his statements in an attempt to mislead the investigation.
The case has sparked widespread outrage and heightened political activity in the region. A delegation from BJP party met the victim’s family on Tuesday to express support. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari also visited Baruipur and directed the Director General of Police to ensure substantial progress in the investigation within 72 hours. He further warned that strict action would be taken if any lapses or negligence by the police were found.
Amid the tense situation, the area also witnessed mob violence following the revelation of the crime. On Sunday, an enraged crowd assaulted a young man, dragging him out and beating him to death. Subsequent allegations suggested that the victim of the mob attack had no involvement in the crime. Adhikari later met the deceased man’s family and condemned the incident. He stated that while the main accused had been arrested, those responsible for taking the law into their own hands, vandalising public property, and instigating violence would also be identified and face strict action.
The investigation remains ongoing as the police continue to piece together the sequence of events and ensure accountability in the case.
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