One of the accused in the rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Baruipur, on the outskirts of Kolkata, was killed in a police encounter late Sunday night after allegedly attempting to escape during the reconstruction of the crime, according to police sources.
The accused, Pravash Mondal, was one of three men arrested after the girl’s body was recovered from a pond stuffed inside a sack.
Accused Allegedly Tried to Snatch Police Weapon
According to police sources, Mondal was taken to the crime scene around midnight to help reconstruct the sequence of events.
During the exercise, he allegedly attempted to snatch a firearm from a police officer and flee. Police responded by opening fire, resulting in his death.
An official inquiry into the encounter is expected as per standard procedure.
Three Arrested in the Case
Police had earlier arrested Pravash Mondal, Ananda Sardar, and Dibakar Sardar in connection with the case.
Sources claimed the accused had confessed during interrogation.
Investigators believe the crime was pre-planned. According to the investigation, Mondal allegedly lured the victim to an isolated location where the other two accused were waiting.
After the assault, the girl was allegedly stuffed into a sack and thrown into a pond.
The post-mortem examination reportedly found water in her lungs, indicating she was still alive when she was dumped into the water.
Protests Turn Violent
The discovery of the girl’s body triggered widespread protests in Baruipur and nearby areas.
Angry residents damaged railway tracks, vandalised police vehicles and clashed with security personnel.
Police have arrested at least 20 people in connection with the violence.
Authorities also alleged that some of those arrested were involved in the lynching of Indrajit Mondal, an innocent man who was beaten to death after being wrongly suspected of involvement in the crime.
Chief Minister Orders Strict Action
According to the report, the chief minister directed the Director General of Police, Siddh Nath Gupta, to submit a detailed report within 72 hours and instructed police across the district to strengthen measures to prevent crimes against women.
The report also stated that around 200 people had been identified for allegedly instigating the violent protests.
Political Row Erupts
The incident has also sparked political controversy, with the Trinamool Congress alleging that the police were attempting to shield the main accused.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the rape, murder, police encounter, and subsequent violence remains ongoing.