Police on Monday added gang rape charges to the case involving the alleged murder of a 12-year-old girl in Baruipur, after developments in the investigation and preliminary findings.
The victim's family had alleged from the outset that the minor was gang-raped before being murdered. During proceedings before the Baruipur court, police invoked Section 70(2), which pertains to gang rape, in addition to the existing murder charges.
So far, three persons have been arrested in connection with the case. Two of the accused were produced before the Baruipur court on Monday, while the third accused, arrested later in the investigation, is scheduled to be produced before the court on Tuesday.
Police Seek 14-Day Custody
Appearing before the court, the prosecution described the case as "extremely sensitive and significant" and sought 14 days of police custody for the two accused.
The public prosecutor argued that the investigation is still at a crucial stage, with key forensic evidence yet to be collected and several scientific examinations still pending.
"This is an extremely sensitive and important case. Crucial samples are yet to be collected, and several scientific examinations remain pending. There is also a possibility of evidence being tampered with if the accused are not kept in police custody," the prosecution submitted before the court.
Police told the court that custodial interrogation was necessary to reconstruct the sequence of events, recover additional evidence, and identify the role of each accused in the crime.
The investigation is being conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the West Bengal Police. Officials said further charges could be added depending on the forensic and post-mortem findings.
The alleged rape and murder of the minor has sparked widespread outrage across Baruipur, leading to violent protests, a heavy police deployment, and heightened security in the area as the investigation continues.
