Baruipur violence: Bengal CM Adhikari refuses to call killing of auto-rickshaw driver ‘lynching’ – What did he say? | Today’s news
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday refused to call the killing of rickshaw driver Indrajit Mondal a “lynching” and said his identity was established before the “murder”.
He further claimed that the violence that erupted in Baruipur in South 24 Parganas after the body of an 11-year-old girl, who was allegedly raped and found stuffed in a sack in a pond, could have been triggered by radical communal elements or individuals rejected by voters, according to ANI.
Adhikari made the remarks after handing over the appointment letter and financial assistance ₹25 crore for the Mondal family. Earlier in the day, he visited the girl’s parents at their residence and assured them of the government’s full support.
Earlier, the chief minister maintained that Mondal was innocent and said that those responsible for his killing would face charges of murder. So far, five people have been arrested in connection with the case.
“Indrajit’s death was not due to mob lynching; his identity was established before he was murdered,” the chief minister said, according to ANI. He added that Mondal’s elder brother was given an appointment letter for a civic volunteer post, while his parents received financial assistance of Rs. ₹25 lakhs.
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“Those who were rejected in the elections could have instigated the violence. I also do not write off the presence of communal radical forces. The investigation will reveal the truth and action will be taken against all those involved,” he said, adding that those identified on the basis of photographs and video footage have already been arrested.
Indrajit Mondal’s elder brother, Bapi Mondal, said the Chief Minister assured the family of full support, handed him the appointment letter and asked him to join the job. According to Bapi, it was an appointment to the post of a civic volunteer in the Baruipur police district.
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Speaking about his meeting with the family of the 11-year-old girl, Adhikari said the police acted on a complaint filed by her relatives. He noted that the family had named four persons in the complaint, all of whom were arrested, and said those found guilty would face exemplary punishment.
During his visit, Adhikari inaugurated the newly established Surjapur Rural Police Station under Baruipur Police District.
Baruipur violence
The body of the 11-year-old girl, who was reported missing on July 4, was recovered the next day from the Surjapur Haat area, where it was found stuffed in a sack. The discovery sparked widespread protests, with residents blocking the Baruipur-Joynagar road, burning tires and vandalizing several police vehicles, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.
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Hours after the body was found on Sunday, an enraged mob allegedly beat the man to death on suspicion of his involvement in the crime.
Police have arrested four people in connection with the alleged rape and murder. One of the accused, Prabash Mondal, was later killed in a police encounter after he allegedly tried to wrest the policeman’s firearm while he was being taken to the scene for reconstruction late on Tuesday.
Police have arrested more than 35 people for their alleged role in the violence and vandalism that erupted after the girl’s body was found.
