Bengal: Section 163 in Baruipur as Tension Prevails Over Murder of 12-Year-Old

Kolkata: Bengal Police have imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, the curfew clause, in areas around Bengal's Baruipur following violent outrage after the body of a 12-year-old who had been missing since July 4 was discovered on July 5. A man suspected of the crime was lynched by a mob on the same day.

Two first information reports have been filed in relation to the two deaths, reports say, and a third alleging that police personnel have been injured in the assault. The Indian Express is among news outlets to have reported that the FIR related to the murder of the girl does not have rape charges under POCSO.

Amid questions over political reaction, a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the incident and so far, two people have been arrested.

Local media reported how angry locals initially did not hand over the minor's body to the police, set vehicles on fire and blocked railway lines and roads.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari spoke to the girl's father and has called her family to Kolkata's Bhawani Bhawan on July 7 – sparking questions on the move.

Former chief minister Mamata Banerjee, on the other hand, has been stopped from travelling to the area, the section of the Trinamool Congress loyal to her have alleged.

In a post on X, the TMC wrote, “Our chairperson, Mamata Banerjee, wanted to visit Baruipur. Upon learning this, a massive deployment of police personnel and barricades was put in place outside her residence to prevent her from leaving. Despite these attempts to stop her, our demand remains unchanged: #JusticeForBaruipur. Didi stands firmly with the victim’s family and is committed to ensuring they receive justice.”

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.