Mob Violence Erupts in Baruipur After Minor Girl's Rape and Murder
Violence erupted in West Bengal's Baruipur area on Monday after the body of a minor girl, allegedly raped and murdered, was found. The incident led to a mob lynching a suspect and widespread arson, prompting the state government to rush central forces to the spot. According to police officials, the girl, aged around 10-12 years, went missing on Sunday evening, and her body was discovered in a field on Monday morning.
Suspect Lynched by Mob
Following the discovery, locals gathered and confronted a man they suspected of being involved. The mob allegedly beat him to death, and then set his body on fire. The police have confirmed that a suspect was killed in the incident but have not yet officially identified him. “Prima facie, it appears that the victim was sexually assaulted before being murdered. We have detained a few people for questioning,” said a senior police officer.
Arson and Vandalism
The violence escalated as the mob set fire to several vehicles and vandalized property in the area. Shops and houses were also targeted. The police fired tear gas and baton-charged the crowd to disperse them. At least 10 people, including five police personnel, were injured in the clashes. The situation remained tense throughout the day.
Central Forces Deployed
The West Bengal government has requested central forces to maintain law and order. A contingent of around 200 personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been deployed in the area. Additional forces are on standby. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the incident and assured strict action. “The perpetrators of the heinous crime will be brought to justice. I also appeal for peace and calm,” she said in a statement.
Political Reactions
The incident has sparked political reactions, with opposition parties accusing the state government of failing to ensure safety for women and girls. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded a CBI inquiry into the case. “The law and order situation in West Bengal has deteriorated. The government must take responsibility,” said a BJP spokesperson.
Investigation Underway
The police have registered a case of rape and murder, and a separate case for the mob lynching. Forensic teams are collecting evidence from the crime scene. The post-mortem report is awaited. The area remains under heavy police surveillance to prevent further violence.
