West Bengal has triggered widespread outrage after the body of a 12-year-old girl was discovered stuffed inside a sack in Baruipur, near Kolkata. The incident sparked violent protests, with an accused man reportedly beaten to death by an angry mob over allegations of rape and murder.
According to police, the girl had been missing since Saturday after she left home to buy a gift for a friend. Her family alleged that four individuals forcibly took her away before she disappeared.
Body Recovered, Area Erupts in Protest
The girl’s body was recovered on Sunday, leading to large-scale protests across Baruipur. Angry residents blocked roads, set tyres on fire, and vandalised police vehicles while demanding immediate action against those responsible.
The protests were called off only after Inspector General of Police (Presidency Range) Kankarprasad Barui assured residents that strict action would be taken against all those involved.
Police have confirmed that four people have been arrested in connection with the girl’s death.
“No one will be spared” Barui said while addressing protesters. He also assured the victim’s family that he would personally meet them.
Post-Mortem to Determine Sexual Assault
Authorities stated that the exact cause of death and whether the victim was sexually assaulted will only be confirmed after the post-mortem examination. The investigation is currently underway.
Political Reactions Intensify
The incident has also sparked political controversy in West Bengal.
Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that heavy police deployment outside her residence effectively placed her under house arrest to prevent her from visiting the victim’s family.
“We are put on house arrest in order to stop me from going there. Deployment of police proves that. Why are they doing route marches in front of my residence when there is no Section 144? Why so many cops are deployed here, including central forces?” Banerjee said.
She further described the situation as alarming, saying that “all barriers have been crossed.”
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress accused the BJP-led state administration of failing to ensure women’s safety and alleged attempts to influence the investigation.
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Abhishek Banerjee Speaks to Victim’s Family
Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee spoke with the victim’s mother over the phone to enquire about the case. During the conversation, the victim’s mother reportedly claimed that one of the individuals arrested had earlier been released by the police.
Authorities have not officially confirmed this allegation. The investigation into the girl’s death and the circumstances surrounding the arrests remains ongoing.
BY JESSICA SABHARWAL
