Bengal’s Baruipur rape-murder case: Accused shot dead in police encounter

One of the three accused in the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Baruipur was shot dead by police on Tuesday after he allegedly tried to snatch a service weapon and escape during the reconstruction of the crime scene, officials said.

The accused, identified as Prabhas Mondal, was being taken to the crime scene as part of the investigation when he allegedly attempted to seize a firearm from a police officer and flee. Police opened fire, critically injuring him.

Mondal was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

The case relates to the death of a 12-year-old girl whose body was recovered from the Surjyapur Haat area in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas district, on Sunday, a day after she was reported missing.

The incident triggered widespread protests, with locals demanding swift action against those responsible. Police subsequently arrested three men in connection with the case.

Investigators believe one of the accused had taken the girl to a shack where the two other suspects were present before the alleged crime. The remaining accused continue to be questioned as police reconstruct the sequence of events using witness statements, forensic evidence and scientific analysis.

According to preliminary post-mortem findings, the girl is suspected to have drowned while still alive, though officials said the exact cause and circumstances of death will be confirmed only after forensic and viscera examination reports are received. Investigators are also examining other injuries noted during the initial medical examination.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari held a virtual meeting with senior police officials, including officers-in-charge across the state, directing them to strictly follow legal procedures and strengthen responses to crimes against women and children.

The chief minister also ordered a report on the police response after the victim’s family filed a missing person’s complaint late on Saturday. He warned that any negligence by police officials would invite strict disciplinary action.