The police encounter killing of Prabhash Mondal, one of the accused in the alleged rape and murder of a minor in West Bengal's Baruipur, has triggered a sharp political debate, with the BJP defending the police action, sections of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) questioning it, and the Congress demanding a judicial inquiry.
The political reactions came a day after Mondal was killed during a police-led reconstruction of the crime. According to the police, Mondal allegedly snatched a service weapon from a police officer, attempted to flee, and opened fire, prompting retaliatory firing in self-defence. He later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.
Mahua Moitra Criticises 'UP Model'
TMC MP Mahua Moitra criticised the encounter, comparing it to the policing model associated with Uttar Pradesh.
In a post on social media, Moitra questioned the conduct of the West Bengal Police, asking, "What is happening, West Bengal Police?"
She further wrote, "Welcome to the new Bengal—Uttar Pradesh 2.0," alleging that the state was witnessing a "jungle raj" under the BJP government.
Moitra also suggested that the police had displayed excessive aggression in handling the accused.
However, not all voices within the Trinamool Congress shared the same view.
TMC leader and Keshpur MLA Shiuli Saha expressed confidence in the government's version of events, saying the law permits police encounters in specific circumstances.
"There is a legal provision for an encounter if an accused attacks the police while attempting to escape. We trust the government's version. We have always demanded the strictest punishment for rapists," she said.
Referring to the Aparajita Bill passed by the West Bengal Assembly during the previous TMC government, Saha added, "After the RG Kar incident, we had brought legislation seeking stricter punishment for rape. At the same time, encounters should always remain within the framework of law and under government control."
BJP Defends Encounter
The BJP described the encounter as a justified action against a serious criminal.
State BJP spokesperson Debjit Sarkar termed the incident "divine justice."
State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said the government had sent out a strong message.
"The government has taken firm action. This incident shows that no criminal will be spared and no one can escape the law because of political patronage," Bhattacharya said.
He also called for reopening the Kamduni case, arguing that justice should be ensured in all crimes against women.
Congress Calls for Judicial Probe
The Congress, meanwhile, urged restraint and said the criminal justice system should be allowed to take its course.
Congress student leader Priyanka Chowdhury said, "The evidence against the accused must first be established in court. It is for the judiciary to determine the punishment. Our legal system already provides for the highest punishment, including the death penalty."
West Bengal Congress president Shubhankar Sarkar also demanded a judicial inquiry into the encounter.
The case pertains to the alleged rape and murder of a minor girl whose body was recovered from a pond in Baruipur's Suryapur area on Sunday. Police have arrested four accused in connection with the case, including Prabhash Mondal, who was the first to be taken into custody.
According to police, Mondal was taken to the crime scene late Tuesday night for reconstruction of the incident. Officers have claimed that he attempted to escape after snatching a firearm from a police personnel and fired a shot at the police team. Police then opened fire in self-defence, critically injuring him. He was declared dead after being taken to Baruipur Hospital.
The circumstances surrounding the encounter are expected to remain under scrutiny even as the investigation into the alleged rape and murder continues.
