Accused Killed in Encounter During Crime Scene Recreation
The prime accused in the brutal rape and murder of a minor girl in Baruipur was killed in a police encounter on Wednesday, July 8, while being taken to recreate the crime scene. The incident occurred in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, according to police officials.
The accused, identified as 35-year-old Ratan Sardar, was allegedly involved in the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl on June 28. Her body was found in a paddy field near her home in the Baruipur area. The crime had sparked widespread outrage and protests demanding justice.
Details of the Encounter
Police said Sardar was being escorted to the crime scene to assist in the investigation when he attempted to snatch a constable's firearm. In the ensuing scuffle, he was shot dead by the police escort. A senior officer stated, "The accused tried to grab the weapon of a police personnel, leading to the encounter. He was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital."
The police team included officers from the Baruipur police station and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The encounter took place around 11:30 AM near the site of the original crime.
Investigation and Background
The victim's family had alleged that Sardar, a neighbor, had lured the girl with the promise of sweets before committing the crime. Post-mortem reports confirmed rape and strangulation. The case was investigated by the CID after local protests demanded a fair probe.
According to a police spokesperson, "The accused was arrested on July 2 and was in police custody. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime and agreed to lead the police to the location where he disposed of the victim's belongings."
Reactions and Impact
The encounter has drawn mixed reactions. While some local residents expressed satisfaction that the accused was brought to justice, human rights activists have called for an inquiry into the encounter. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee commented, "The law has taken its course. We will ensure a thorough investigation into the encounter as per standard procedures."
The incident has once again highlighted the issue of custodial violence and police encounters in the state. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the government, alleging a pattern of extrajudicial killings. BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said, "This is a clear case of encounter killing. The state government must be held accountable."
Legal and Procedural Aspects
As per standard protocol, the police have registered a case regarding the encounter and initiated a magisterial inquiry. The weapon used by the police has been seized for forensic analysis. The family of the accused has been informed, and a post-mortem will be conducted to ascertain the exact cause of death.
The encounter has raised questions about the police's handling of the investigation. Legal experts note that while encounters may provide a sense of immediate justice, they can undermine the rule of law. The state human rights commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident and sought a report from the district magistrate.
