Violence erupts at Jaynagar in West Bengal over allegations of rape and murder of a nine year old

Villagers and family members of the child alleged that police did not want to register a complaint when the child went missing on Friday (October 4, 2024) and were made to go from one police station to another

Violence erupted at Jaynagar in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas on Saturday (October 5, 2024) after the body of a nine-year-old girl was found in Mahismari area.

The family members of the child and villagers alleged that the child was sexually assaulted and then killed. Angry locals ransacked the Mahismari police outpost and set articles from the police station on fire.

The villagers blocked roads and clashed with police. The police fired tear gas shells and resorted to baton charge to disperse the mob. The locals were also seen chasing away the local Trinamool Congress MLA Ganesh Mondal. Video footage telecast by local news channels of the violence where locals armed with sticks and batons ransacked the police outpost.

The child’s father said that she had gone to take private tuition on Friday (October 4, 2024) evening but did not return home on time. The body of the girl was found about one km away from their house.

The villagers said that the police did not take their allegations seriously when the family approached them after the child went missing. After the child went mission the family approached the police outpost at Mahismari police outpost but were asked to go to Jaynagar police station. The villagers alleged that they had to visit several police stations before a missing complaint was filed.

The people of the area said that the child could have been saved had the police acted in time. One person has been arrested in connection with the crime. A huge contingent of police was deployed in the area to contain the situation. The place where the body was recovered had been identified and secured. The body has been sent for post mortem. Local Trinamool Congress leaders including Jaynagar MP Pratima Mondal faced ‘go back’ slogans when they wanted to meet the parents of the deceased child.

Superintendent of Police, Baruipur Police District Palash Chandra Dhali said that a complaint of kidnapping was registered at 12.30 on Friday night and today section of murders were added. “If after post mortem we find sexual assault, then we will section of POCSO,” the SP said.

Supporters of the opposition parties held protests at Jaynagar. BJP leader Agnimitra Pal and CPI(M) leader Meenakshi Mukherjee held protests outside a hospital at Jaynagar. The protests over the incident spilled in Kolkata with BJP supporters organising processions and blocking roads in the city demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over repeated incidents of sexual assault on women and children.

Scuffle at morgue

There was a scuffle when the body was brought to the Katapukur morgue in the Mominpur area. Supporters of Opposition parties including BJP leader Agnimitra Paul and CPI(M) leader Dipsita Dhar were present at the morgue. Supporters of the Opposition parties alleged that the police were trying to hurriedly conduct the post-mortem. A large crowd had gathered outside the morgue and police had to push supporters of political parties outside the compound.

The incident comes at a time when protests are already raging over the rape and murder of the doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in August this year. Resident doctors are still on the streets demanding justice for the victim as well safety at workplace.

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said that the West Bengal government has not learnt anything from the R.G. Kar rape and murder.

“The whole situation could have been avoided if the Police could have just done their duty yesterday. The State Government, Administration, and top cops are always paying lip service to how the State is safe for women and how CCTVs are being installed. Preparedness is being increased to enhance women’s safety. In reality, no one still monitors the CCTVs when it is required in real-time, and the Police are just planning how to suppress any spontaneous protest with brute force,” Mr. Adhikari said.

Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh said that the police did its job by arresting the accused but because of some people in the establishment, the family had to run from pillar to post. “I would appeal to the Superintendent of Police to identify the people for whom the image of the State Government is taking the beating,” Mr. Ghosh said.

Published - October 05, 2024 01:19 pm IST