In the divided political landscape of West Bengal, the rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas district, roughly 30 km from Kolkata, along with ensuing mob violence and a lynching, has created a major flashpoint. The case marks the first significant law-and-order test for the Suvendu Adhikari-led BJP administration, which has cautioned opponents against framing the event along communal lines.
Three individuals have been taken into custody over the rape and murder. Chief Minister Adhikari has vowed to deliver justice and indicated the government will pursue the death penalty for those convicted.
Political reactions intensified on Monday. Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed authorities blocked her from visiting the victim’s family, while a TMC group including Dola Sen, Pratima Mondal, and Biman Banerjee reached the relatives.
Adhikari, speaking to reporters, called the crime “horrific” and confirmed a Special Investigation Team had been formed. “Two persons have been arrested and three others detained,” he stated. “I spoke with the victim’s father. The family will receive whatever support the administration can provide. Justice will be ensured.” Four separate cases have been filed.
He added that capital punishment would be sought in the primary case, while noting a communal element in the lynching. Police vehicles were set ablaze, two CAPF personnel injured, and railway tracks targeted. Action will follow in the other cases.
Adhikari plans to visit Baruipur on Tuesday to assess police conduct. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar said those responsible would receive the maximum penalty if convicted, but criticised attempts to communalise the matter.
State minister Agnimitra Paul accused Banerjee of neglecting similar incidents during her 15-year tenure and of seeking to politicise the current case.
The victim’s body was found in a pond on Sunday. Protests followed, with roads blocked, police vehicles torched, and railway tracks threatened. A suspected individual was lynched by the crowd. Heavy police and central force deployment was ordered, along with prohibitory restrictions around three police stations.
Banerjee alleged on social media that police and central forces had sealed roads near her residence, preventing her departure. She questioned the restrictions and noted that BJP-aligned groups faced fewer obstacles.
