West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday visited the families of both the 11-year-old girl who was allegedly raped and murdered in Baruipur and 26-year-old Indrajit Mondal, who was later killed by a mob during the unrest that followed the crime. Announcing a series of relief measures, the Chief Minister said the State government would ensure the strictest legal action against those responsible in both cases. He also inaugurated a newly established police outpost in Surjapur, fulfilling an assurance he had given to the victim's family earlier this week after they sought a permanent police presence in the area.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the bereaved families, the Chief Minister said the government remained committed to securing justice for the minor victim. "The family has cooperated with the investigation from the very beginning, and we are grateful for that. We have stood by them throughout. The four persons named in the complaint have all been arrested. Some of them had even fled towards the Bangladesh border in Basirhat, but they were traced and brought back. Baruipur district police have done commendable work. The remaining aspects of the case are being investigated by the CID, and I will not comment further."
One of the accused in the rape and murder case was killed in a police encounter earlier this week during a crime scene reconstruction. The encounter is currently being investigated separately by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), a matter on which the Chief Minister declined to comment.
Suvendu Adhikari said he had assured the victim's family that the trial would be conducted expeditiously and that the government had already extended support to them. "I have told the family that the accused will face a custodial trial, and the conviction process will be monitored by the Chief Minister. We also had certain responsibilities towards the family, and we have fulfilled them. I will not disclose the details. If the family wishes, they may do so," he said.
Following his meeting with the girl's family, Adhikari visited the residence of Indrajit Mondal, who was beaten to death by a mob in the aftermath of the crime. The Chief Minister announced that the State government had provided financial assistance of ₹25 lakh to Mondal's family. He also handed over an appointment letter for a civic volunteer's post to Mondal's elder brother.
According to Suvendu Adhikari, the government has additionally undertaken repairs to the family's house, sanctioned old-age pension benefits for Mondal's father and enrolled his mother under the Annapurna welfare scheme.
Referring to Mondal's death, the Chief Minister rejected the characterisation of the incident as a random mob lynching, alleging that the victim had been deliberately identified before being attacked. "He was killed after his identity was verified. A 35-year-old unmarried man was tied up and brutally assaulted. Those who have been rejected by the people in elections are behind this provocation. Everyone visible in the videos has been arrested. Some accused were even apprehended from Bakkhali and Digha."
He added that while the government could not undo the family's loss, it would ensure accountability. "We cannot bring the young man back. But the State has taken responsibility for his family. Those responsible for Indrajit's murder will receive the strictest punishment under the law."
Later, addressing a public gathering, Suvendu Adhikari alleged that the violence following the girl's murder had been orchestrated by individuals seeking to destabilise the State. "The brutal killing of Indrajit Mondal, after identifying him and his details, was orchestrated by those who wish to destabilise Bengal now that the government is advancing on the path of progress and development under PM Modi's leadership."
The Chief Minister further claimed that the unrest had been fuelled by political actors as well as other extremist elements. "There is certainly instigation by some politically rejected individuals. Radical forces or ultra-left elements could also be involved. The police are investigating this."
He alleged that attempts to incite violence had continued even as police appealed for calm and assured residents that action would be taken. "Even while the police were urging calm and promising action, instigation continued, both here and in other areas. Stones were pelted at Central paramilitary forces, and attacks were launched against police constables, including female officers."
Responding to complaints from local residents regarding police action after the violence, Adhikari said those responsible for damaging railway property and attacking law enforcement personnel would face legal consequences, while innocent people should not be harassed. "Those who damaged railway property are anti-national and must be punished. At the same time, no innocent person should be subjected to police harassment."
The Bengal.Chief Minister assured residents that only those involved in the crimes had reason to fear the law. "Murderers, rapists and those involved in vandalism should be afraid. No one else has any reason to fear."
The violence in Surjapur erupted after the body of the 11-year-old girl was recovered from a pond on Sunday. Police have alleged that she was gang-raped and murdered. The incident sparked widespread protests, including a railway blockade, and separate cases have been registered over attacks on police personnel and damage to public property. Investigations into both the alleged rape and murder and the subsequent violence remain underway.
