Indrajit Mondal was beaten to death by a mob amid widespread outrage over the girl’s killing.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday refused to term the killing of Indrajit Mondal after the body of a 12-year-old rape victim was recovered as a lynching, claiming that the identity of the victim had been identified before the “murder”.
He also alleged that “extremist community forces” or individuals “rejected” by voters may have played a role in the violence that broke out in Baruipur in South 24 Parganas after the girl’s body was recovered from the pond, which was stuffed inside a bag.
Adhikari made the remarks after handing over the job appointment letter and a cheque $25 lakh to the Mondal family, news agency PTI reported. Earlier in the day, he visited the girl’s parents at their residence and assured them of all possible assistance.
Referring to his death, Adhikari alleged that the brutal murder of Indrajit Mondal, after his identification and details, was orchestrated by those who wish to destabilize Bengal now that the government is moving forward on the path of progress and development under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.
CM blames ‘instigators’ for violence
Speaking to reporters, Adhikari claimed that the unrest was fueled by “politically objectionable individuals” and perhaps “extremist forces or extreme left-wing elements.” He said police were investigating those present at the scene and those who allegedly incited the violence from a distance.
“It is certain that there was incitement by some politically objectionable individuals. It is possible that extremist forces or far-left elements were also involved. The police are investigating this matter,” he added, ANI reported.
“Even as the police urged calm and pledged action, agitations continued here and in other areas. Central paramilitary forces were pelted with stones and attacks were launched against policemen, including women officers,” he added.
Baruipur violence
The case sparked widespread anger in Baruipur. The little girl, who had been missing since July 4, was found dead the next day in Surjapur Haat, her body stuffed inside a bag. The discovery sparked protests, with local residents blocking the Baruipur-Joynagar road, burning tires and vandalizing police vehicles, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.
Within hours of the body being recovered, Indrajit Mondal was beaten to death by a mob of people who suspected him of involvement in the crime. Later, police arrested four people in connection with the rape and murder case.
One of the accused, Prabhash Mondal, was killed in a police encounter after he tried to snatch a police officer’s firearm while he was being taken to the crime scene to reconstruct the events late on Tuesday night.
The authorities also took strict measures against the violence that followed the girl’s death. More than 35 people were arrested for their alleged role in vandalism and attacks on police officers during the protests.
(With PTI and ANI inputs)
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