KOLKATA: In a dramatic turn of events, Prabhas (also spelled Prabash or Prabhash) Mondal, the prime accused in the alleged rape and murder of an 11- or 12-year-old girl in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas district, was shot dead by police early Wednesday during a crime scene reconstruction.
According to police officials, Mondal was taken to Suryapur around 12:45 a.m. for the reconstruction exercise when he allegedly snatched a service firearm from an officer, fired one round, and attempted to flee. Officers returned fire in self-defense, critically injuring him. He was rushed to Baruipur Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Mondal, along with other co-accused, was arrested after the girl’s body was discovered in a sack on July 5. Investigators claim he lured the minor, reports mention a possible Rs 10,000 transaction, and later confessed. CCTV footage reportedly captured him with the girl prior to her disappearance.
The gruesome crime has triggered widespread public anger in West Bengal. In the aftermath, an innocent man was lynched by a mob after being mistakenly identified as involved in the case. Mondal’s mother distanced herself from her son, reportedly stating he “did wrong and was punished” while refusing to accept his body.
Authorities have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe both the rape-murder and the subsequent mob violence. A separate high-level committee has been tasked with examining the circumstances of the police encounter.
scroll.inPolitical FalloutThe incident has deepened political divisions. TMC leaders, including Saugata Roy and Kirti Azad, have raised doubts about the encounter, questioning how a custody accused could access a weapon and suggesting it might have been staged. Some reports link Mondal to BJP workers, though this remains contested.
In contrast, some BJP voices have described the killing as “tough justice” aligned with promises made by the party.
Encounter killings in India frequently draw scrutiny, with critics alleging extrajudicial actions and supporters viewing them as necessary responses to heinous crimes. Officials maintain this was a clear case of self-defense.
The case continues to evolve. While the horrific nature of the crime against the child has fueled justified public fury, authorities stress the importance of due process. The ongoing probes into both the original murder and the encounter will be closely watched for clarity. This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more details from the SIT and inquiry emerge.
