Kolkata, 06 July (H.S.): Following the arrest of the prime accused, Ananda Sardar, within 24 hours in the alleged rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Baruipur, Panihati MLA Ratna Debnath on Monday expressed deep grief and anger over the incident, asserting that no one involved in the crime should be spared.

Expressing her condolences to the victim's family, Debnath said justice would be delivered, but no punishment could bring back the child. Just as my own home became empty, that family's home has also been left devastated today, she said, referring to her personal loss. She described the increasing crimes against women and children as deeply disturbing and questioned why girls continue to be viewed as objects of exploitation in society.

The MLA claimed that the new state government has been in office for only two months and is working under the leadership of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to strengthen women's safety and restore law and order. She expressed confidence that if the investigation proceeds fairly, all those involved in the crime would be arrested and brought to justice.

Debnath also targeted the previous Trinamool Congress government, alleging that years of neglect of education, social values and public welfare, while promoting a culture centred around fairs, alcohol and gambling, had contributed to the present social decline. However, the Trinamool Congress had not issued any official response to her allegations at the time of filing this report.

Calling the Baruipur incident highly condemnable, she said women and girls should never be treated as objects and urged society to unite against such crimes.

She further noted that several incidents of violence against women reported across the state over the past month have become a matter of serious concern. My daughter will never return, but my fight for the safety and dignity of every daughter in the state will continue, she said.

Debnath also informed that she was scheduled to receive Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to West Bengal on Monday. If time permitted, she would visit the victim's family in Baruipur the same day; otherwise, she would meet them on Tuesday to assure them of all possible support. She added that she would strongly raise the issue of women's safety in the State Assembly.

The 11-year-old girl had gone missing on Saturday, and her body was recovered from a pond on Sunday morning. Police arrested the main accused, Ananda Sardar, within 24 hours of the incident. The investigation is continuing.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey