The rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Baruipur, about 30 km from Kolkata, along with a lynching and claims of political interference, has created the first major test for the Suvendu Adhikari-led BJP government in West Bengal. The administration faces pressure to deliver swift justice while managing protests led by Mamata Banerjee, who accused authorities of confining her. Locals reported slow police response after the girl went missing on July 4. Her body was later found in a pond inside a sack, showing signs of sexual assault and torture. Family members said they had to search independently after filing a complaint. CCTV footage helped identify suspects, leading to the recovery of the body the next morning. Mamata Banerjee organized a candlelight march despite security restrictions around her residence. She described the measures as house arrest, while BJP officials called them standard protection for a high-profile leader. The Trinamool Congress criticized the chief minister for not visiting the victim’s family. A local BJP figure faced allegations of aiding an accused person, prompting angry residents to damage his property. The party denied any wrongdoing and expressed confidence in the investigation. The case has intensified political divisions in the state following recent elections.
