Kolkata, 08 July (H.S.): The family of the 12-year-old girl allegedly raped and murdered in West Bengal's Baruipur has expressed confidence in the state government and the police following the death of the prime accused, Prabhas Mondal, during a police operation. The victim's father said he has complete faith in Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and believes his daughter will receive justice.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, the victim's father said his family was satisfied with the manner in which the government had handled the case.

We have complete faith in the government and the Chief Minister. We are confident that our daughter will get justice, he said.

He added that he had been informed about the death of Prabhas Mondal but had not been able to learn the details as he was occupied with other matters. He also praised the role of the police, saying the family would not have been able to pursue the case without their support.

The police have stood by us from the beginning. We believe the remaining accused will also be brought to justice and punished in accordance with the law. The Chief Minister has personally assured us that strict action will be taken against all those responsible, he said.

The case came to light on July 5 after the body of the 12-year-old girl was recovered from a pond in Surjapur, Baruipur. Police have alleged that the victim was sexually assaulted before being murdered, triggering widespread public outrage and demands for the strictest punishment for those involved.

Police arrested three accused Anand Sardar, Prabhas Mondal and Dibakar Sardar, within 24 hours of the incident. A fourth accused, Kabir Molla, was arrested on Wednesday.

According to police, Prabhas Mondal was taken to the crime scene late Tuesday night for reconstruction of the alleged crime. During the exercise, he allegedly attempted to snatch a police officer's service weapon and escape. Police said they opened fire in response, and Mondal later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.

Police have stated that all legal procedures are being followed and that the investigation into the case, as well as the circumstances surrounding the police firing, is continuing.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh