TMC Condemns Police Presence Amid BarUIPur Incident Investigation

TMC Criticizes Police Deployment in BarUIPur Case

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has expressed outrage over the heavy police presence outside the residences of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and MP Abhishek Banerjee. This action was taken to prevent them from visiting the family of a 12-year-old girl who was allegedly raped and murdered in BarUIPur, near Kolkata. In a post on social media, TMC highlighted that the police deployment and route marches appeared suspicious. TMC leader Derek O'Brien shared alarming images from the streets outside the homes of Banerjee and questioned the rationale behind restricting public movement and confining people to their homes with the deployment of central forces. He remarked, "Route marches are currently underway. People are being forcibly confined!"

Police Actions and Arrests

Authorities have reported the arrest of two individuals in connection with the alleged rape and murder case, while three others are being held for questioning. Additionally, orders have been issued to prevent large gatherings in certain areas on the outskirts of Kolkata. On Sunday, a man was reportedly lynched, suspected of involvement in the incident, which has sparked significant public outrage. A police official stated, "We have arrested two individuals, and three more are under interrogation. We are awaiting the post-mortem report." A Special Investigation Team (SIT) consisting of six members has been established, and four FIRs have been filed related to the girl's alleged rape and murder, as well as the lynching incident. Police operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Community Response and Demands for Justice

In BarUIPur and surrounding areas, a prohibition order has been enforced under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Defense Code, with additional police forces deployed amid rising tensions. The body of the missing 12-year-old girl was discovered in a pond a day after she went missing, with her family alleging that she was raped and murdered. On Sunday, local residents took to the streets and blocked railway tracks, demanding justice. Suvendu Adhikari reached out to the girl's father, assuring him that the perpetrators would be apprehended and punished. The father expressed his desire for the culprits to face capital punishment, stating, "He [Adhikari] asked me to come to Bhawanipur on Tuesday. I am satisfied with the administration's response."