The death of the key accused in the Baruipur rape-murder case, Prabhas Mondal, in a police encounter has sparked a major political controversy across West Bengal. Even as police have outlined the sequence of events leading to the shooting, questions continue to be raised, prompting the state government to order a probe by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) alongside a judicial inquiry.
As per established legal procedure, the police district where an encounter occurs cannot investigate the incident itself. Accordingly, the case has been handed over to the CID for an independent probe. Simultaneously, a high-level judicial inquiry has also been initiated, ensuring that both investigations proceed in parallel under legal oversight.
The incident occurred early on Wednesday when Mondal allegedly snatched a service revolver from a member of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted for the Baruipur case. He then attempted to flee under the cover of darkness and reportedly opened fire at the police personnel. Police claim that, faced with imminent danger, another officer from Baruipur Police Station fired in self-defense. Mondal was hit by two bullets — one on the right side of his chest and another above his waist. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Authorities have maintained that the use of force was justified and in accordance with self-defense protocols. However, the incident has triggered political reactions.
Leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) have drawn comparisons with the so-called “encounter culture” in Uttar Pradesh under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, with some describing the situation as “Uttar Pradesh 2.0.” Opposition parties, including the CPI(M) and the Congress, have also sharply criticised the incident, demanding transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, the Health Department has constituted a special three-member medical board to conduct the post-mortem examination in compliance with guidelines of the National Human Rights Commission. A digital X-ray of the body was carried out prior to the autopsy to ascertain the exact trajectory and location of the bullets. Officials confirmed that the entire post-mortem procedure will be videographed as per protocol.
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