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Adhikari said the police were not only identifying those directly involved in the violence but were also tracking individuals who allegedly fuelled tensions from behind the scenes.
The Chief Minister added that the police had been given complete freedom to investigate the incident and identify everyone involved, irrespective of political affiliation. (representational image)
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday blamed “politically rejected individuals” for the violence that erupted in Baraipur following the alleged rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl, asserting that those responsible for instigating unrest would face strict action.
Addressing the situation, Adhikari said the police were not only identifying those directly involved in the violence but were also tracking individuals who allegedly fuelled tensions from behind the scenes through phone calls, messages and social media communication.
“Even while the police were urging calm and assuring people that action would be taken, instigation continued both here and in other areas,” the Chief Minister said.
Allegations Of Organised Violence
Adhikari alleged that the unrest went beyond spontaneous public anger and involved coordinated attempts to escalate the situation.
“Stones were pelted at Central paramilitary forces, and attacks were launched against police personnel, including women officers. There was even a conspiracy to cause a major disaster by placing massive steel beams across railway tracks,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that the police had been given complete freedom to investigate the incident and identify everyone involved, irrespective of political affiliation.
“Those who incited the unrest from the background, regardless of their party affiliation, will be taught a lesson. This is my explicit directive to the police,” he said.
“They have been given full autonomy in this matter. A strong message will be sent out. No one will dare to engage in such actions in the future.”
CM Calls Lynching Victim ‘Innocent’
The violence followed widespread outrage over the alleged rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Baraipur.
Amid the unrest, a local resident, Indrajit Mondal, was allegedly dragged out of his home and lynched by a mob that reportedly mistook him for one of the accused in the crime.
Adhikari described Mondal as an innocent man and alleged that his killing was part of a broader conspiracy aimed at destabilising the state.
“Their aim is to derail the progress and development that Bengal is witnessing under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership,” the Chief Minister said.
Police Crackdown Continues
According to police, 20 people have been arrested so far in connection with the lynching of Indrajit Mondal, attacks on police personnel, stone-pelting, vandalism, arson and large-scale disturbances in the area.
The investigation also took a dramatic turn earlier this week when one of the prime accused in the girl’s murder case, Prabhas Mondal, was killed in an alleged police encounter.
Police claimed the accused snatched a firearm from an officer and attempted to flee during a crime scene reconstruction exercise, prompting retaliatory action.
The encounter — the first such police action since the BJP government assumed office in May — came amid mounting public pressure on law enforcement agencies over the handling of the case.
With tensions still simmering in the region, authorities have intensified security measures and continued their crackdown on those accused of involvement in both the murder case and the subsequent violence.
About the Author
Saurabh Verma is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, specializing in Indian politics, national current affairs, and breaking global news. With years of experience tracking power shifts, election strateg…Read More
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