One of the accused in the Baruipur minor rape-murder case was killed in a police encounter on Tuesday after he allegedly attempted to snatch a service firearm and escape during the reconstruction of the crime scene, police said.
The deceased has been identified as Prabhas Mondal, one of the three men arrested in connection with the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district.
Accused Allegedly Tried to Snatch Police Weapon
According to police, Mondal was being taken to the crime scene for the reconstruction of events when he allegedly tried to seize a police personnel’s service weapon and flee from custody.
Police opened fire during the incident, injuring him. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Authorities have not released further details about the encounter, and the incident is expected to be examined as part of standard legal procedure.
Three Men Arrested in the Case
The case relates to the death of a 12-year-old girl whose body was recovered from the Surjyapur Haat area in Baruipur on Sunday, a day after she was reported missing.
Police arrested three accused following protests by local residents demanding swift action.
Investigators suspect one of the accused allegedly took the girl to a shack where the other two accused were present before the incident. The remaining accused continue to be questioned as investigators piece together the sequence of events using witness statements, forensic evidence and other material collected during the investigation.
Forensic Reports Awaited
Preliminary post-mortem findings indicated that the victim drowned while still alive. However, police said the exact cause and circumstances of her death will be determined only after the forensic and viscera examination reports are received.
Investigators are also examining injuries noted during the preliminary medical examination.
Chief Minister Seeks Police Report
Following the incident, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, according to the information provided in the source, held a virtual meeting with police officials across the state and directed them to strictly follow legal procedures while handling such cases.
He also sought a report from the Director General of Police on the police response after the victim’s family filed a missing person’s complaint.
The Chief Minister said strict action would be taken if any negligence by police personnel is established during the inquiry.
