Police have arrested a second accused in connection with the murder of a 12-year-old girl in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas, as the investigation into the case gathers pace. Three more individuals have been detained and are being questioned following overnight raids conducted by police.
The first accused was arrested on Sunday and is scheduled to be produced before the Baruipur court on Monday. Following the initial arrest, police launched a series of raids to trace the remaining suspects, leading to the second arrest and the detention of three others.
The 12-year-old girl, who had been missing since Saturday, was found dead in a pond on Sunday morning. The recovery of her body triggered widespread outrage in the locality, with angry residents staging protests. During the unrest, a man suspected of involvement in the crime was allegedly beaten to death by a mob.
A six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to investigate the case.
Three Separate Cases Registered
Police have registered three separate FIRs in connection with the incident:
• One in connection with the murder of the minor girl.
• One over the alleged mob lynching of the suspected accused.
• One regarding the alleged attack on police personnel during the protests.
The latest arrest has been made in the murder case, while the three detained individuals are also being questioned in connection with the killing of the minor, according to sources.
Post-Mortem Report Awaited
The victim's family has alleged that the girl was raped and murdered. However, police said they are awaiting the post-mortem report before confirming the exact cause of death or adding charges related to sexual assault.
"The post-mortem report will determine the cause of death and whether there was any sexual assault. Further sections will be added to the case accordingly," police said.
Political Reactions Intensify
Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari spoke to the victim's father over the phone on Sunday and assured him of a "proper investigation" and strict action against those responsible. According to the victim's father, Adhikari has asked him to visit Bhawani Bhavan on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (Presidency Range) Kankarprasad Barui assured the public that "no one will be spared" and that every person involved in the crime would face legal action.
Political tensions also escalated after a heavy police deployment was seen outside Mamata Banerjee's Kalighat residence on Sunday night. A faction of the Trinamool Congress claimed the police presence was intended to prevent Banerjee from travelling to Baruipur to meet the victim's family.
Later in the evening, Abhishek Banerjee spoke to the victim's family via video call. The Trinamool Congress also claimed that Mamata Banerjee had spoken to the family over the phone, expressing support and assuring them of justice.
