Kolkata, 08 July (H.S.): The death of Prabhas Mondal, the principal accused in the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in West Bengal's Baruipur, during a police operation has triggered a political storm in the state. While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) described the incident as a strong message against crime, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) questioned the police action, and the Congress called for adherence to the judicial process and an independent investigation.

TMC MP Mahua Moitra criticised the police action through a social media post, comparing the development with the Uttar Pradesh model. She alleged that West Bengal was witnessing a jungle raj and questioned what she described as excessive police action.

However, TMC leader and MLA Shiuli Saha expressed confidence in the government's version of events. She said that the law permits the use of force if an accused attacks police personnel while attempting to escape. At the same time, she stressed that such actions must remain within the framework of law and under the government's control. She also reiterated that those accused of rape should receive the strictest punishment.

Reacting to the incident, BJP spokesperson Debajit Sarkar described the encounter as divine justice. State BJP president Shamik Bhattacharya said the government's action had sent a clear message that criminals would not be protected by political influence. He also demanded that the Kamduni case be reopened.

The Congress adopted a different stand. Priyanka Chowdhury, a leader of the party's student wing, said every accused is entitled to a fair trial under the law and that it is for the courts to determine guilt and punishment. West Bengal Pradesh Congress president Shubhankar Sarkar called for an independent probe into the encounter.

The case came to light after the body of a 12-year-old girl was recovered from a pond in the Surjapur area of Baruipur on Sunday. Police have alleged that the victim was sexually assaulted before being murdered. Four people have been arrested in connection with the case, with Prabhas Mondal being the first to be taken into custody.

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

The police have maintained that the matter is being investigated in accordance with legal procedures, while the incident has sparked a sharp political debate across West Bengal.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh