West Bengal girl’s rape and murder triggers protests, lynching and arrests
An 11‑year‑old girl disappeared on July 4 in the Baruipur area of West Bengal, India. Her body was recovered the next day from a pond, and authorities said she had been raped and killed. The discovery sparked violent protests across the state, with road blockades, vandalism of police vehicles and clashes with law‑enforcement.
A crowd lynched a local man, Indrajit Mondal, who was later declared innocent. Police later shot and killed suspect Prabhas Mondal during a custody encounter. Police have arrested dozens of people, bringing the total number of arrests related to the unrest to 35, including those involved in the mob violence.
The incident has become a political flashpoint. West Bengal’s BJP‑led government, headed by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has faced accusations from opposition parties that it failed to protect women. Adhikari said, “He too will get justice,” referring to the lynched man, and added, “All of them will be arrested; no one will be spared.” A Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the case, and further arrests are expected.