Baruipur, West Bengal minor rape‑murder case leads to arrests, SIT and protests
A 12‑year‑old girl went missing on July 4 and her body was recovered from a pond in Baruipur, West Bengal on July 5. Family members allege she was raped and murdered, though police have not yet confirmed the rape. The post‑mortem showed sexual injury and signs of strangulation, and CCTV footage reportedly captured four persons taking the girl.
Police arrested three suspects – Ananda Sardar, Dibakar Sardar and Pravas Mondal – and a fourth suspect, Pravas Mandal, died in an encounter while trying to flee. A local BJP leader, Santanu Mondal, was detained for allegedly helping a suspect escape. A six‑member Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the case and related violence, including mob lynchings and damage to railway tracks.
The incident sparked widespread protests; demonstrators blocked roads and a railway line, and authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in three police‑station areas. A large police contingent was deployed.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari pledged capital punishment for the perpetrators, stating “It’s a crime of unspeakable horror… they will get justice and the criminals will get capital punishment.” Actress Munmun Dutta also voiced outrage, posting a banner reading “JUSTICE FOR BARUIPIUR” and captioning, “A 12‑year‑old girl, a mere child, raped and murdered… Find these MEN.”
Later, another unidentified body was recovered from the same pond, but police said it is unrelated to the girl's case.