One of the accused in the alleged rape and murder of a minor girl in West Bengal’s Baruipur was killed in a police encounter on Tuesday after he allegedly attempted to snatch a service weapon and flee while being taken for reconstruction of the crime scene, officials said.

Also Read | West Bengal minor murder case: Baruipur girl’s body found in pond, 4 accused assaulted by mob

Injured by bullets during the whole ordeal, the accused, Prabhas Mondal, was rushed to the nearby hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.

Police say accused made an attempt to flee

As per reports by the police, the accused was being taken by the investigating team to recreate the sequence of incidents related to the case when he tried to snatch a gun from a police official and run away.

Police opened fire to stop him, injuring the accused. He was immediately shifted to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries, officials said.

This incident occurred while the investigating team continued with its efforts to collect evidence in the case which has raised an uproar across West Bengal.

Probe into minor’s death continues

The case relates to the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl whose body was recovered from the Surjyapur Haat area in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas, on Sunday, a day after she went missing.

Police have arrested three accused in connection with the case. Investigators suspect the victim was taken to a shack where the alleged crime occurred before her body was disposed of.

According to preliminary post-mortem findings cited by PTI, the girl appeared to have drowned while she was still alive. However, police said the exact cause of death will be established only after forensic and viscera examination reports are received. Investigators are also examining injuries noted during the preliminary medical examination.

Chief minister seeks police report

Following the incident, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari held a virtual meeting with police officials and directed them to strictly follow legal procedures while handling such cases.

“I told them that such incidents need to be prevented and that they must follow the law and proper guidelines and directions,” the chief minister said.

Also Read | Baruipur horror: Teen killed hours after football match win

Adhikari also sought a report on the police response after the victim’s family filed a missing complaint.

Police said the investigation into the case is continuing, with the remaining accused being questioned to establish the sequence of events.

FAQs

Who was killed in the Baruipur police encounter?

Prabhas Mondal, one of the accused in the Baruipur minor rape and murder case, was killed after police alleged he tried to snatch a service weapon and escape.

How many accused have been arrested in the Baruipur case?

Police have arrested three accused in connection with the alleged rape and murder of the minor girl. The investigation is ongoing.