Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday took to the streets near her Kalighat residence, leading a candlelight march to protest the alleged rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas district. Holding a lit candle, Banerjee was joined by several senior party leaders and supporters who demanded swift justice and accountability in the gruesome case.
The march comes amid heightened tensions following the horrific incident. The young girl went missing on Saturday evening while heading to a local market in the Surjapur area. Her body was recovered the next morning from a pond, stuffed in a sack, with signs pointing to sexual assault and murder. The tragedy triggered immediate public outrage, leading to violent protests, road and rail blockades, and clashes with security forces. In the unrest, a 26-year-old man suspected of involvement was lynched by an angry mob, and police vehicles were damaged.
On Sunday evening, heavy police and central force deployment was reported outside Banerjee’s residence, prompting TMC leaders to allege that she was being placed under de facto house arrest to stop her from visiting the victim’s family in Baruipur. Party spokespersons, including MP Derek O’Brien and others, strongly criticised the move, describing it as an attempt to curb political opposition and peaceful expression of solidarity.
Despite the restrictions claimed the previous day, Banerjee proceeded with the protest rally on Monday. Accompanied by leaders such as MPs Dola Sen, Pratima Mondal, and Derek O’Brien, she called for a thorough and impartial investigation while expressing deep anguish over the crime. Participants carried candles and placards, creating a solemn atmosphere as they voiced demands for the perpetrators to be brought to justice without delay.
Later, Banerjee took to Facebook to further address the incident, amplifying calls for justice and solidarity with the grieving family. The post highlighted the need for strong action against such heinous crimes and criticised the prevailing law and order situation.
The state government, under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case and reported arrests of suspects. Authorities have assured the victim’s family of stringent action. However, the episode has intensified political polarisation in West Bengal, with accusations and counter-accusations flying between the ruling dispensation and the opposition TMC. Three people have been arrested so far in connection with the case, the investigation continues.
