Minor Girl Raped and Killed, Body Found in Pond: Accused Lynched
A minor girl's death in West Bengal has triggered protests, with four people arrested and an SIT formed to investigate the case.
A shocking incident has been reported from Baruipur, around 30 km from Kolkata in West Bengal, where the body of an 11 or 12-year-old girl was found inside a sack near a pond.
According to reports, the girl had left her home on the afternoon of July 4 to buy a birthday gift for her friend but did not return. Her family claimed that four people had forcibly taken her away. They searched for her throughout the night and also approached the police, alleging that they did not receive a proper response.
On the morning of July 5, local residents caught one of the suspects. During questioning, he allegedly revealed the location of the girl's body. Based on this information, the body was recovered from a pond in the Surjyapur Haat area.
After the body was found, angry family members and local residents assaulted the suspect, who later died due to critical injuries. Large protests broke out in the area, with people blocking roads, burning tyres and damaging police vehicles. The administration imposed restrictions on public gatherings, and heavy police deployment was made to control the situation.
West Bengal Police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case. So far, four people have been arrested, including Sardar Ananda Sardar, Pravash Mondol, Dibakar Sardar and local BJP worker Shantanu Mandal. Several other people are also being questioned.
After senior police officers assured strict action, the protesters allowed the girl's body to be sent for post-mortem. The report stated that she was hit on the head, which made her unconscious, before being thrown into the pond where she drowned. It also found signs of rape before her death. Police have registered a case of murder and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The incident has also triggered political reactions. TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee said on X that the case raises serious questions about women's safety and criticised the BJP over its promises on security.
Meanwhile, on July 6, another body was found in the same pond. Police identified the deceased as Krishnakanta Haldar, who had been missing since July 3. Officials said there is no evidence so far linking his death to the girl's case, but the investigation is continuing. Police have appealed to people to remain calm and avoid spreading rumours.
