Baruipur horror: CCTV footage helps identify accused as police arrest three; Bengal remains on edge

CCTV footage showing one of the accused walking with the minor victim shortly before her alleged rape and murder has emerged as a crucial lead in the investigation.

The footage allegedly captures Prabhas Mondal, who was arrested on Sunday, accompanying the girl towards the area where the crime is believed to have taken place.

Investigators are closely examining the video, which reportedly helped local residents identify Mondal before he was handed over to the police.

Police have since arrested three accused in the case — Ananda Sardar, believed to be the prime accused, Prabhas Mondal, and Dibakar Sardar.

Authorities have also detained three more individuals for questioning and are continuing search operations to trace another suspect believed to have been involved in the crime.

As outrage over the incident continues, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari vowed that "no one will be spared" and promised the strictest possible action against everyone found guilty.

Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari has promised the strictest possible action against the accused. Photo: X/BJP West Bengal/Videograb

Postmortem confirms sexual assault

The investigation gathered pace after the postmortem examination confirmed that the minor had been sexually assaulted before her death.

According to police, the victim's body was recovered from a pond after she was reported missing.

While an initial case of murder had been registered, investigators later invoked gangrape charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after the preliminary autopsy findings.

A senior police officer said the report revealed severe injuries consistent with sexual assault and indicated that the victim was still alive when she was thrown into the pond, as water was found in her lungs, confirming antemortem drowning.

Prime accused arrested after sustained raids

Police said Prabhas Mondal was arrested on Sunday following widespread protests by local residents. Based on his interrogation, investigators arrested Dibakar Sardar and Ananda Sardar on Monday.

Officials suspect that Ananda Sardar played a central role in the crime. All three accused were produced before a court and remanded to 14 days of police custody.

Investigators said efforts are underway to trace another absconding suspect. Police have appealed to the public not to spread rumours, assuring that all those involved will be brought to justice.

Authorities are also examining the motive behind the killing and have not ruled out the possibility of a child trafficking angle.

Violence erupts, restrictions imposed

The brutal crime triggered widespread unrest in Baruipur. Protesters vandalised police vehicles and staged demonstrations demanding immediate arrests.

 and the adjoining areas of Sonarpur and Narendrapur to prevent further violence.

In a related development, a 26-year-old man, Indrajit Mondol, was lynched by a mob on suspicion of involvement in the crime. Police are separately investigating the lynching.

Angry locals also allegedly ransacked the residence of a local BJP leader, accusing him of helping some of the accused evade arrest.

Government promises justice

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the state government would seek capital punishment for those responsible for the crime and assured the victim's family that justice would be delivered.

He said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to supervise the probe and added that action would also be taken if any police personnel were found negligent after the girl's disappearance was reported.

Adhikari also referred to the mob lynching, saying it had a communal dimension and warned that those involved in the violence, attacks on police personnel and damage to public property would also face legal action.

The chief minister is scheduled to visit Baruipur to meet the victim's family and review the investigation.

Political reactions intensify

The case has sparked political activity across the state.

A delegation of Trinamool Congress leaders aligned with former chief minister Mamata Banerjee, along with representatives of the CPI(M), separately met the victim's family and assured them of support.

Ex-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee held a candlelight march outside her residence in Kalighat over the alleged rape-murder in Baruipur. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Later, Mamata Banerjee led a candlelight march in Kolkata demanding justice for the victim. The procession moved through Kalighat before concluding near her residence amid heavy police deployment.

The incident has intensified public outrage and renewed demands for stronger measures to ensure the safety of women and children, even as investigators continue to pursue the remaining suspects.