Bengal Girl's Murder: Suspect Lynched, Mamata Alleges House Arrest

The body of a 12-year-old girl was found stuffed inside a sack in Baruipur near Kolkata, triggering violent protests and the lynching of a man suspected by locals of involvement in the crime. The girl had gone missing on Saturday after leaving home to buy a gift for a friend, while her family alleged that four people had forcibly taken her away. Police have so far arrested four people in connection with the girl’s death.

Tension escalated after the body was recovered, with angry residents blocking roads, burning tyres and damaging police vehicles. A man accused by locals of involvement in the alleged rape and murder was beaten to death. Protesters initially refused to allow the girl’s body to be taken for a post-mortem examination and demanded immediate action against everyone responsible for the crime.

The blockade was lifted after Inspector General of Police, Presidency Range, Kankarprasad Barui assured protesters that strict action would be taken against those involved. He said no one responsible would be spared and announced that he would meet the girl’s parents. Following the assurance, protesters allowed authorities to send the body for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death and whether the minor had been sexually assaulted.

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The incident has also triggered a major political confrontation in West Bengal. Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that she had effectively been placed under house arrest to prevent her from visiting the grieving family. The Trinamool Congress Chief questioned the heavy deployment of police and central forces outside her residence and asked why route marches were being conducted despite no prohibitory orders being in place.

The Trinamool Congress criticised the BJP government over women’s safety and alleged attempts to politically influence the investigation. Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee said such incidents had raised fresh questions about the government’s promises on security. During a conversation with the girl’s mother, he also sought information about whether those arrested by police were allegedly connected to the crime.

The case remains under investigation, with the post-mortem report expected to provide crucial information about the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death. Police are examining the allegations made by the family and the possible involvement of the arrested suspects. Authorities are also dealing with the aftermath of the violent protests and the lynching as public anger continues over the killing of the minor.

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