The rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Baruipur has shocked people across West Bengal. The incident has also become the first major law-and-order challenge for the BJP government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
Police have arrested three suspects in the case. The state government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to carry out a detailed probe. The Chief Minister said the administration will provide full support to the victim’s family and seek the toughest punishment if the accused are convicted.
The crime also triggered unrest in the area. Protesters blocked roads, damaged police vehicles, and attempted to disrupt train services. During the violence, a local man was beaten to death by a crowd that believed he was linked to the crime. Authorities have registered separate cases to investigate both the murder and the violence that followed.
The affair has swiftly become a political problem. BJP leaders accused Opposition parties of trying to create communal tension instead of allowing the investigation to proceed. They appealed for peace and said the law should take its course.
Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the state government, claiming she was prevented from visiting the victim’s family. She later organised a candlelight march to express solidarity with them. The Trinamool Congress also questioned the government’s handling of the case.
The CPI(M) announced protests and demanded fast justice. At the same time, some rebel TMC leaders urged everyone to respect the legal process and avoid mob violence.
The investigation is ongoing. The case continues to draw strong public attention as people await justice for the young victim.