12-year-old girl found dead in Bengal, man lynched over rape-murder suspicion
A man accused of raping and murdering an 12-year-old girl in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district died after he was allegedly lynched by the
A man accused of raping and murdering an 12-year-old girl in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district died after he was allegedly lynched by the victim's family and local residents on Sunday, triggering widespread protests and tension in the area. The incident took place in the Surjyapur area of Baruipur. According to police, the girl had left her home on Saturday afternoon to buy a gift for her friend's birthday but did not return. Her family alleged that four people had forcibly taken her away and claimed they searched for her throughout the night.
They also accused the police of not responding adequately to their pleas for help. Read Full Story On Sunday morning, locals allegedly caught one of the suspects, who reportedly disclosed the location of the girl's body. Acting on the information, residents recovered the body, which was found stuffed inside a sack near a pond in the Surjyapur Haat area. Soon after the body was recovered, enraged family members and local residents allegedly assaulted the accused man. He suffered critical injuries in the attack and later died, police said.
Inspector General of Police (Presidency Range) Kankarprasad Barui confirmed that the man was beaten to death by an angry mob over allegations of his involvement in the girl's death. The recovery of the body sparked massive protests, with residents blocking the Baruipur-Joynagar Road, burning tyres and vandalising several police vehicles while demanding the immediate arrest of all those involved in the crime. A heavy police force was deployed to restore order and prevent further violence. Addressing the protesters through a megaphone, IGP Barui urged them to lift the blockade and assured them that everyone associated with the crime would be arrested and face the maximum punishment under the law.
He also said police raids were underway to nab the remaining accused and promised that "no one will be spared." Police said four people have been arrested in connection with the girl's death. Following the assurance from senior officers, protesters allowed the girl's body to be sent for post-mortem examination. Ends With PTI inputs.
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