Baruipur rape‑murder case triggers arrests, protests and political fallout

An 11‑year‑old girl was reported missing in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, and her body was recovered from a pond on July 5. Police registered charges of rape, gang‑rape and murder under the POCSO Act. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed, uncovering pre‑planned aspects of the crime and leading to the arrest of three suspects; one, Pravas Mondal, was killed in an encounter while trying to escape. A fourth suspect, Kabir Molla, was arrested in Basirhat, bringing the total to four.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ordered a 72‑hour report from the DGP, pledged a "zero‑tolerance" policy and announced that around 200 people involved in vandalism during subsequent protests would be arrested. He also declared that the youth lynched by a mob after the girl's body was found, Indrajit Mondal, was innocent and would receive justice. The victim’s family expressed satisfaction with the government's response, while opposition leaders and activists criticised the handling of the case.

Amid the ongoing investigation, a separate incident occurred in Baruipur: a 17‑year‑old footballer, Prosenjit Biswas, was hacked to death following a local match, prompting further protests and heightening tensions in the area.