Bengal: Tension after minor's body found in canal; rape-murder suspected
What's the story
Angry residents from a village in South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, vandalized and set a police camp on fire after the body of a Class 4 student was found in a canal.
Locals alleged that she was raped and murdered while returning home from tuition classes in Kripakhali.
Her body was found around 3.30am on Saturday with numerous injuries.
A large police team has been deployed to prevent further escalation of tensions.
Investigation progress
Police arrest suspect following minor's disappearance
The girl's father stated that she had informed him that she would return home after class, but when she did not return, the family approached the nearest police station.
Senior police officials confirmed that the girl's parents reported her missing on Friday evening.
Baruipur Superintendent Of Police (SP) Palash Dhali stated, "We were informed about the girl going missing at 9:00pm. We started an investigation and identified an accused."
Suspect apprehended
19-year-old arrested for kidnapping and murder
A 19-year-old man, Mostakin Sardar, has been arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of the minor girl.
The police are awaiting a post-mortem report to confirm whether rape was involved in this tragic incident.
The incident has sparked widespread public outrage, with locals accusing the police of failing to take timely action.
Videos have surfaced online showing villagers, predominantly women, leading street protests demanding action against the accused.
Political fallout
BJP state chief criticizes TMC government
The incident has also drawn political attention, with state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Sukanta Majumdar criticizing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government over the law and order situation.
"How many more Bengali girls will suffer this fate in your misrule?" he wrote on X.
The Mamata Banerjee government is already under scrutiny for its alleged mishandling of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August.
Twitter Post
Majumdar lashes out at Banerjee government
স্তম্ভিত! শিহরিত! কুলতলী থানা এলাকার কৃপাখালী এলাকায় টিউশন পড়ে ফেরার পথে বলপূর্বক তুলে নিয়ে গিয়ে ধর্ষণ করে নৃশংসভাবে খুন করা হলো চতুর্থ শ্রেণীর একজন নাবালিকা ছাত্রীকে। পরে নদীর চর থেকে গ্রামবাসীরা উদ্ধার করলেন ছোট্ট মেয়েটির নিথর দেহ। মহিলাদের সুরক্ষা দিতে ব্যর্থ বাংলার… pic.twitter.com/AlSsWh48lY
— Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) October 5, 2024