West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday accused what he called “politically rejected individuals” of instigating violence in Baraipur after protests erupted following the alleged rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl.
Adhikari said authorities were investigating not only those directly involved in the violence but also people allegedly responsible for provoking unrest through phone calls, messages and social media activity.
“Even while the police were appealing for calm and assuring people that action would be taken, attempts to instigate violence continued in Baraipur and other areas,” he said.
Allegations of Planned Violence
The Chief Minister claimed the unrest was not merely a spontaneous reaction but involved organised attempts to create chaos.
He alleged that stones were thrown at central forces, police personnel including women officers were attacked, and a serious attempt was made to disrupt railway operations by placing heavy steel beams on tracks.
Adhikari said police had been given full independence to identify and take action against everyone involved, regardless of political connections.
“Those who incited unrest from behind the scenes, irrespective of their political affiliation, will face action,” he said, adding that strict measures would ensure such incidents are not repeated.
Lynching Victim Called Innocent
The violence followed public anger over the alleged rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Baraipur.
During the unrest, local resident Indrajit Mondal was allegedly pulled from his home and lynched by a mob that reportedly mistook him for one of the accused in the case.
Adhikari described Mondal as an innocent person and alleged that his killing was part of an attempt to create instability in the state.
Police Investigation Intensifies
Police have arrested 20 people in connection with the lynching, attacks on security personnel, stone-pelting, vandalism, arson and other disturbances.
The investigation also saw a major development after one of the main accused in the girl’s murder case, Prabhas Mondal, was killed in an alleged police encounter.
Police claimed Mondal attempted to escape during a crime scene reconstruction exercise after allegedly snatching a weapon from an officer, leading to retaliatory firing.
The incident has sparked political debate, with questions being raised over the police action. Authorities have increased security in the area while continuing investigations into both the murder case and the subsequent violence.