Baruipur rape-murder case: Prime accused Prabhas Mondal shot dead in police encounter during crime scene reconstruction

Baruipur Rape-Murder Case: Prime Accused Killed in Police Encounter During Crime Scene Reconstruction

Theindiapostdaily.com – In a dramatic turn of events, Prabhas Mondal, a key figure in the Baruipur rape-murder case involving an 11-year-old girl, was fatally shot by police during a crime scene reconstruction in West Bengal. The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday when Mondal allegedly seized a police firearm and attempted to flee, according to a senior official. This marks the first police encounter death in the state since the BJP-led government under Suvendu Adhikari took office.

Context of Encounter Deaths

While police encounters are frequent in Uttar Pradesh under the Yogi Adityanath administration, this is the first such occurrence in Baruipur. Investigators had been questioning Mondal, who was initially arrested after CCTV footage supposedly linked him to the victim before her disappearance.

Crime Scene Reconstruction Details

Mondal was taken to Surjyapur in South 24 Parganas district at around 12:45 am as part of the crime scene reenactment. Authorities claimed he was providing inconsistent statements and hindering the investigation. During the reconstruction, he reportedly fired at the police team and tried to escape, prompting a self-defense response that led to his death.

Reaction from Mondal’s Mother

Prabhas Mondal’s mother, Sandhya Mondal, expressed no objection to his death, stating, “He got what he deserved for what he did.” She declined to claim his body, saying she would not bring it back home. “My son has been punished for his actions. Kill him or do whatever you want,” she told reporters, as per ANI.

Public Outcry and Additional Incident

The case sparked widespread anger, with locals taking to the streets to demand justice. Residents blocked the Baruipur-Joynagar Road, set tyres alight, and vandalized police vehicles. Shortly after the girl’s body was found, a man was lynched, though the government later confirmed his innocence.

Government Response

Suvendu Adhikari, the state’s chief minister, visited Baruipur on Tuesday to oversee the investigation. He instructed the DGP, Siddh Nath Gupta, to submit a report within 72 hours and pledged a “zero tolerance” approach to such crimes. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and public expectations of swift accountability.