West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on July 10, blamed “politically rejected individuals” for the violence that erupted in Baraipur following the alleged rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl. He asserted that those responsible for provoking unrest would face strict action.
Addressing the issue, Adhikari said the police were identifying not only those directly involved in the violence but also individuals who allegedly encouraged and coordinated disturbances through phone calls, messages and social media platforms.
“Even while police were appealing for calm and assuring people that action would be taken, efforts to instigate violence continued from within the area and elsewhere,” he said.
The Chief Minister alleged that the violence was not merely a spontaneous public reaction but involved organised attempts to escalate tensions.
According to him, central paramilitary forces and police personnel, including women officers, were attacked during the unrest. He also alleged that there was an attempt to create a major disruption by placing large steel beams on railway tracks.
Adhikari said police have been granted complete autonomy to investigate the incident and identify everyone involved, regardless of their political affiliations.
“Those who instigated the violence from behind the scenes, irrespective of party affiliation, will be taught a lesson. Police have been given full freedom to act,” he said.
He added that strong action would be taken to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future.
The violence followed public outrage over the alleged rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Baraipur.
During the unrest, a local resident, Indrajit Mondal, was allegedly dragged out of his home and lynched by a mob that reportedly mistook him for one of the accused in the case.
Adhikari described Mondal as an innocent person and alleged that his killing formed part of a broader conspiracy to create instability.
Police said 20 people have been arrested so far in connection with the lynching of Indrajit Mondal, attacks on police personnel, stone-pelting, vandalism, arson and other incidents linked to the violence.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the girl’s murder took a dramatic turn when one of the prime accused, Prabhas Mondal, was killed in an alleged police encounter earlier this week.
According to police, the accused snatched a firearm from an officer and attempted to flee during a crime scene reconstruction exercise, prompting retaliatory action.
The encounter came amid mounting public pressure over the handling of the case and intensified demands for swift justice.
With tensions continuing in parts of the region, authorities have stepped up security arrangements and intensified operations against those accused of involvement in both the murder case and the subsequent violence.
Police said investigations are ongoing and additional arrests may follow as evidence is examined and suspects are identified.
