West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday declined to characterise the killing of Indrajit Mondal as a lynching, arguing that the victim had been identified before the fatal assault took place. He also alleged that "radical communal forces" or people who had been "rejected" by voters could have been behind the violence that erupted in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas, after the body of a 12-year-old rape victim was recovered from a pond inside a sack.
The remarks came after Adhikari handed over an appointment letter for a government job and a cheque of ₹25 lakh to Mondal's family, PTI reported. Earlier in the day, he visited the residence of the slain girl's parents and assured them of every possible form of assistance.
Speaking about Mondal's death, Adhikari alleged, "The brutal killing of Indrajit Mondal, after identifying him and his details, was orchestrated by those who wish to destabilise Bengal now that the government is advancing on the path of progress and development under PM Modi's leadership," ANI quoted the chief minister as saying.
Addressing the media, Adhikari claimed that the unrest had been driven by "politically rejected individuals" and possibly by "radical forces or ultra-left elements." He said investigators were examining the role of both those who were present during the violence and those who allegedly encouraged it from elsewhere.
"There is certainly instigation by some politically rejected individuals. Radical forces or ultra-left elements could also be involved. The police are investigating this," he said, ANI reported.
"Even while the police were urging calm and promising action, instigation continued, both here and in other areas. Stones were pelted at Central paramilitary forces, and attacks were launched against police constables, including female officers," he said.
The incident has generated widespread anger across Baruipur. The 12-year-old girl had been missing since July 4, and her body was discovered the following day in the Surjapur Haat area after being stuffed inside a sack and dumped in a pond. The discovery prompted large-scale protests, with residents blocking the Baruipur-Joynagar Road, setting tyres on fire and damaging police vehicles while demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.
Soon after the body was recovered, Indrajit Mondal was assaulted and beaten to death by a mob that suspected him of involvement in the crime. Police subsequently arrested four people in connection with the rape and murder of the minor.
One of the accused, Prabash Mondal, later died in a police encounter after allegedly attempting to snatch a police officer's firearm while being taken to the crime scene for a reconstruction of events late on Tuesday night.
Police have also taken action against those accused of participating in the violence that followed the girl's death. More than 35 people have been arrested for allegedly vandalising property and attacking police personnel during the protests.
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