Kolkata, 09 July (H.S.): Police have intensified their crackdown on those allegedly involved in the violence that erupted in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas, following the rape and murder of a minor girl. Twenty-two more people were arrested during overnight raids on charges including attacking police personnel, blocking roads and railway tracks, arson, vandalism, and the lynching of a youth. With the latest arrests, the total number of accused held in connection with the violence has risen to 40.
According to police, 18 people were arrested on Wednesday. Based on their interrogation and other evidence, investigators carried out continuous raids to trace the remaining accused, leading to the arrest of 22 more individuals by Thursday morning. All the arrested persons are expected to be produced before the Baruipur Sub-Divisional Court, where police will seek their custody for further investigation.
Violence broke out in the area on Sunday after the body of the minor victim was recovered. During the unrest, a youth was allegedly beaten to death by a mob on suspicion. The disturbances also included road and rail blockades, incidents of arson, damage to public property, and attacks on police personnel.
Police said the accused were identified after examining videos and other footage circulated on the social media platform X and other digital platforms. Raids are continuing to apprehend those still absconding.
On the day the victim's body was recovered, the Chief Minister spoke to her father over the phone and assured him that those responsible for the rape and murder would face the strictest punishment under the law. She also warned that no one involved in the subsequent violence, vandalism, attacks on police, or the lynching incident would be spared.
The Chief Minister has also indicated that investigators should examine the possibility of a communal angle behind the lynching. She further alleged that opposition parties had instigated the violence and unrest that followed the recovery of the minor girl's body. Police said all aspects of the case are being investigated.
