NCW – Commission Seeks West Bengal Report Over Baruipur Minor’s Death
NCW – The National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas, along with the violence that followed the recovery of her body. The Commission said it was deeply concerned by the case and has asked the West Bengal Director General of Police to submit an Action Taken Report within seven days.
NCW asks police for investigation details
In its communication to the state police chief, the Commission has sought information on whether an FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. It has also requested details about the identification and arrest of every person allegedly connected to the crime, as well as the status of the ongoing investigation.
The NCW has further asked authorities to explain the steps being taken to examine the violence that erupted after the incident. The Commission has sought a report on action against people accused of participating in the mob assault, any possible shortcomings in policing, and the preventive measures adopted by local authorities.
Focus on forensic examination and family support
The women’s rights body has also asked for details of the forensic examination and post-mortem process in the case. It wants the police to clarify what medical, psychological, legal and compensation assistance has been offered to the victim’s family.
In a statement, the Commission said it follows a zero-tolerance approach towards crimes against women and children. It called for a prompt, impartial and thorough inquiry, with legal action against all those found responsible.
Girl reported missing before body was recovered
Police said the girl had left her home on Saturday afternoon to purchase a birthday gift for a friend and did not return. Her body was found inside a sack at Surjyapur Haat in the Baruipur area on Sunday morning.
Family members alleged that four people had forcibly taken the child away. Police are examining the allegations and collecting evidence as part of the investigation. Officials have not publicly disclosed further details regarding the suspects or the sequence of events leading to the recovery of the body.
Mob violence disrupts transport services
Tensions rose in the area after the body was recovered. A man said to have been present with people allegedly linked to the case was attacked by an angry crowd and later died, according to reports. Police are separately investigating the mob assault.
Protesters also blocked railway tracks on the Sealdah-Namkhana route, affecting train movement for more than an hour. The Baruipur-Joynagar Road remained blocked for around five hours, causing disruption to traffic and daily movement in the area.
Police use force after stone-pelting
Police teams deployed at the protest site reportedly faced stone-pelting from sections of the crowd. Officers used a lathi charge to disperse protesters and restore order. Authorities said the situation was later brought under control.
Some protesters alleged that those involved in the crime had links with local BJP leaders and claimed that arrests had been delayed. The allegations have not been independently verified. State authorities are expected to address the claims as the investigation progresses.
Chief Minister Suvendhu Adhikari reportedly spoke with the victim’s father and assured the family that action would be taken. The NCW’s requested report is expected to provide further clarity on the investigation, policing response and support being extended to the family.