Daijiworld Media Network – Kolkata
Kolkata, Jul 7: The alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in West Bengal's Baruipur has emerged as the first major law-and-order challenge for the Suvendu Adhikari-led BJP government, triggering widespread outrage, political confrontation and questions over the police response.
The victim, who went missing on July 4 after leaving home to buy a birthday gift for a friend, was found dead inside a gunny bag in a pond near her residence. Preliminary post-mortem findings revealed that she was sexually assaulted, tortured and thrown into the water while she was still alive, sparking protests across the area.
The girl's family alleged that police failed to act promptly after they lodged a missing person complaint, claiming an earlier search operation could have saved her life. According to the family, local residents began searching on their own, reviewed CCTV footage and traced suspects before informing police.
The post-mortem reportedly found severe injuries, including bite and scratch marks across the victim's body, injuries to her private parts and water in her lungs and stomach, indicating she was alive when thrown into the pond.
As details of the crime emerged, angry residents blocked roads, set tyres on fire, disrupted railway services and vandalised police vehicles. The violence escalated when a mob allegedly lynched 26-year-old Indrajit Tanti, accusing him of involvement in the crime. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari condemned the lynching, describing it as having a "communal angle", and warned of strict action against those involved in the violence.
Police have arrested three persons, including the main accused, Ananda Sardar, who is believed to have been known to the victim's family. A fourth accused remains absconding. Local residents have alleged that Sardar was briefly detained by police before mysteriously disappearing from custody, raising fresh questions over the investigation. Police have not confirmed the allegation.
The incident has also intensified the political battle in the state, with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee accusing the BJP government of placing her under "house arrest" to prevent her from visiting the victim's family. She led a candlelight march on Monday despite heavy police deployment outside her residence.
The BJP dismissed her allegation, saying the security arrangements were routine for a Z-plus protectee and accused the TMC of attempting to create unnecessary controversy.
A Trinamool delegation later met the victim's family and criticised Chief Minister Adhikari for not visiting Baruipur. The party compared his absence to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision not to visit violence-hit Manipur.
The case has become the first significant political and administrative test for the BJP government in West Bengal, with opposition parties accusing the administration of delayed police action and attempting to shield the accused. Authorities have assured a thorough investigation while efforts continue to arrest the remaining suspect.