Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy on Wednesday criticised the police encounter in which the prime accused in the Baruipur minor rape and murder case was killed, saying the incident represented a "casualty" of the rule of law.
The accused, Prabhas Mondal, died during a police operation after allegedly attempting to snatch a service weapon from an officer and open fire while being taken for crime scene reconstruction. Police said they fired in self-defence after the accused tried to escape, leading to his death.
Reacting to the development, Roy questioned the legality of the encounter, stating that the justice system should function through due process rather than police action. He said that while the crime had shocked the state, the rule of law must prevail and every accused should face trial in court.
The encounter has triggered sharp political reactions across West Bengal. While some opposition leaders and members of the public welcomed the police action, others raised concerns over alleged extra-judicial killings and the importance of ensuring judicial accountability.
The Baruipur case, involving the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl, sparked widespread public outrage and led to the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The death of the prime accused has now added a fresh layer of controversy, with debates intensifying over policing, due process and justice in high-profile criminal cases.
