West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday called for death penalty for those accused in the alleged gang rape and murder of a minor girl in Baruipur, asserting that the perpetrators should receive the harshest punishment under the law. His remarks came as police intensified their investigation into the case, which has triggered widespread outrage and prompted protests demanding swift justice.
"No one will be spared. The accused should be given capital punishment. We want exemplary punishment so that such incidents are not repeated,” said the Bengal Chief Minister.
Police on Monday added gang rape charges to the case following developments in the investigation and preliminary findings. The victim's family had maintained from the outset that the 12-year-old girl was gang-raped before being murdered. During proceedings before the Baruipur court, investigators invoked Section 70(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with 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, who was arrested later during the investigation, is scheduled to be produced before the court on Tuesday. Appearing before the court, the prosecution sought 14 days of police custody for the two accused, describing the matter as "extremely sensitive and significant".
Officials also informed the court that the investigation is being carried out by a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the West Bengal Police and that additional charges could be invoked depending on the forensic and post-mortem findings.
The victim's body was recovered from the Surjyapur Haat area in Baruipur, where it was allegedly found stuffed inside a sack, triggering protests by local residents demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible. The recovery of the body led to large-scale unrest in the area, with residents blocking the Baruipur–Jaynagar Road, burning tyres and damaging several police vehicles while demanding immediate action. Hours after the body was found, a man suspected by local residents of being involved in the crime was allegedly beaten to death by an angry mob.
In response to the violence, authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the Baruipur, Narendrapur and Sonarpur areas to maintain law and order. Police have appealed to the public not to pay heed to rumours and warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disturb peace. Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister had also assured that those responsible for the crime would face the strictest punishment in accordance with the law.
