The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Monday alleged that party chief Mamata Banerjee was placed under "house arrest" to prevent her from visiting Baruipur and meeting the family of the 12-year-old girl who was allegedly raped and murdered.
In a post on X, the party claimed that after learning of Banerjee's proposed visit, authorities deployed a large police contingent and erected barricades outside her residence to stop her from leaving.
"Our Chairperson, @MamataOfficial, wanted to visit Baruipur. Upon learning this, a massive deployment of police personnel and barricades was put in place outside her residence to prevent her from leaving," the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) said.
The allegations come amid heightened tensions in Baruipur following the recovery of the minor girl's body from the Surjyapur Haat area in South 24 Parganas. According to police, local residents apprehended one of the suspects, who allegedly disclosed the location where the girl's body had been concealed. The body was later recovered from near a pond, allegedly stuffed inside a sack.
Police have since constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case.
Violent Protests Erupt
The discovery of the girl's body sparked widespread protests, with angry residents blocking the Baruipur–Jaynagar Road, setting tyres ablaze and damaging several police vehicles. A heavy police deployment was made to restore order and prevent further violence.
Addressing protesters through a megaphone, Inspector General of Police (Presidency Range) Kankarprasad Barui assured the crowd that all those involved would be identified and arrested.
"No one will be spared," Barui said, adding that police teams were conducting raids and that the accused would face the "strictest legal action."
Following the assurance, protesters allowed the victim's body to be sent for post-mortem examination.
Four Arrested, BJP Worker Detained
Police said four people have been arrested so far in connection with the case, while local BJP worker Shantanu Mandal has been detained for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.
Abhishek Banerjee Targets BJP
TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee strongly criticised the BJP over the incident, alleging that the party had fostered an atmosphere where those accused of serious crimes believed they enjoyed political protection.
Calling it the "real tragedy behind the Baruipur horror," Banerjee accused the BJP of failing to deliver on its promises of women's safety.
"BJP came to Bengal promising women's safety and security. Instead, every such incident raises fresh questions about its HOLLOW PROMISES," he said.
He also questioned the BJP's response to the incident, alleging that there had been no visible protests or demands for accountability from the party or its supporters.
Describing the situation as "extremely shameful," Banerjee demanded swift justice for the victim and accountability from those responsible.
