In a speedy investigation into the horrific rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal police on Monday, July 7
, arrested two individuals and detained three. Meanwhile, the TMC leader Mamata Banerjee, who has a history of blaming the rape victims, demeaning the crime, and shielding the culprits, has grabbed an opportunity to play politics over the issue.
A senior police officer confirmed the developments to PTI, stating, “So far, we have arrested two persons. One person was arrested last night and another this morning. Along with them, we have detained three others. Our officers are questioning them.” A six-member Special Investigating Team (SIT) has been constituted to conduct a thorough probe into the case.
On the other hand, TMC's Mamata Banerjee led a candlelight march along with party leaders and workers, condemning the alleged rape and murder of a minor girl and demanding justice. The march was held amid growing demands for swift justice, with Banerjee expressing solidarity with the victim's family and calling for the strictest action against those responsible.
TMC MP Pratima Mondal also played politics over the issue and is believed to have met the victim's family. "We have already spoken to the child's father. Now, I am on my way to speak with her mother. Our leader, Mamata Banerjee, stands with this family and is ready to provide whatever assistance they require. We demand that the administration take immediate steps to apprehend the accused."
Mamata Banerjee's history of blaming rape victims for the crimeWest Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has faced severe backlash for victim-blaming following multiple high-profile sexual assault cases. Her public responses often shift focus from the perpetrators to questioning the victim's character, movements, or the validity of their claims.
Durgapur Gang Rape (2025): Following the gang rape of a 23-year-old MBBS student, Banerjee drew fierce criticism after asking why the student was out past midnight. She
stated, "Girls should not be allowed to go outside at night. They have to protect themselves also," sparking widespread outrage across the country.
Hanskhali Case (2022): During an investigation into the gang rape and death of a minor girl, Banerjee
sparked controversy by publicly questioning the nature of the crime, asking whether the victim was pregnant or involved in a "love affair" rather than being assaulted.
Park Street Case (2012): Banerjee was heavily
criticized for dismissing the high-profile Park Street gang rape as a "fabricated story" (sajano ghotona), which led to significant condemnation from activists and women's rights groups.
What's happening in the current case:
In the given case, Mamata and her party, instead of sensing the sensitivity of the issue, are opting to play politics over the issue. This is despite the ruling government taking swift action and arresting the two prime accused within 24 hours.
The victim, who went missing on Saturday afternoon while going out to buy a birthday gift for a friend, was found dead the next day. Her body was
recovered stuffed inside a sack in the Surjyapur Haat area of Baruipur, triggering immediate outrage among residents. The girl’s family has alleged that she was abducted and gang-raped before being murdered.
News of the gruesome discovery sparked widespread protests. Hundreds of locals blocked the Baruipur-Joynagar Road, burnt tyres, raised slogans demanding justice, and damaged several police vehicles. The situation turned even more volatile when an angry mob beat a man to death on suspicion of his involvement in the crime.
To prevent further escalation, authorities imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in Baruipur, Narendrapur, and Sonarpur areas. “The situation is under control, but prohibitory orders have been imposed as a preventive measure to ensure that law and order is maintained. Adequate police deployment has been made in the affected areas,” another senior officer said.
Police have appealed to the public not to believe or spread rumours. “We appeal to members of the public not to pay heed to rumours and to cooperate with the administration. Strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to disturb peace,” the officer added.
The victim’s body has been sent to Baruipur Sub-Divisional Hospital for post-mortem examination. Forensic experts will determine the exact cause of death and confirm whether sexual assault occurred before the murder.
Inspector General of Police (Presidency Range) Kankarprasad Barui
addressed the protesters, assuring them that every accused would be identified and brought to justice. He also promised to personally meet the victim’s family and provide all possible support. Following these assurances, the road blockade was lifted.
The case has drawn political attention as well. Trinamool Congress MP Saayoni Ghosh condemned the heinous crime and expressed solidarity with the grieving family. She stated that she had spoken with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who assured her that the matter was being monitored at the highest level and that the accused would face the strictest punishment. Ghosh also urged restraint, emphasising that while swift justice is essential, mob violence has no place in a civilised society.
As the SIT begins its work, raids are continuing to nab the remaining suspects. With two arrests already made, three detentions, and forensic analysis underway, investigators are focusing on piecing together the sequence of events, verifying the family’s abduction claims, and establishing the full extent of the conspiracy.