NCW Seeks Action Report in Bengal Minor's Rape-Murder, Mob Violence

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday took suo motu cognisance of the rape and murder of a minor girl in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The Commission has sought a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) from the state's Director General of Police, Siddh Nath Gupta, within a week.

The ATR must cover not only the brutal crime but also subsequent incidents of mob violence, including the lynching of a man allegedly involved, assaults on central forces personnel, and the torching of police vehicles, the NCW stated.

The Commission demanded details on the registration of the First Information Report under appropriate provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, immediate arrest of all persons involved in the rape and murder, and progress of the investigation.

Additionally, the NCW asked for information on the investigation into the mob lynching, action taken against those responsible, an inquiry into policing lapses and preventive measures, forensic and post-mortem examinations, and medical, psychological, legal, and compensation support provided to the victim's family.

Reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women and girls, the NCW called for a swift, impartial, and comprehensive investigation, with stringent legal action against all perpetrators.

A six-member Special Investigation Team, along with Baruipur district police, has arrested three of the four suspects named in the FIR, including the prime accused, Ananda Sardar. The arrests followed overnight searches and interrogation of three detained individuals.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated in Kolkata that his government will ensure justice for the victim's family and that those responsible for the crime will face the death penalty. He added that individuals involved in the subsequent mob unrest and lynching will also be prosecuted fully.