Tensions erupted in the Joynagar area of South 24 Parganas district on Saturday following the tragic murder of a nine-year-old girl, whose body was discovered late on Friday. The incident has sparked outrage among the local community, leading to violent clashes with police.
The victim, a Class 4 student, had gone missing after attending her tuition classes around 2:30 PM on Friday. Her father reported that she had visited a local shop around 5 PM but failed to return home later that evening. Concerned family members and villagers launched a search, and her lifeless body was found approximately one kilometer from her home.
The police have arrested an 18-year-old suspect, who has reportedly confessed to the crime. However, villagers allege that their attempts to file a missing person report were initially dismissed by the authorities. According to the victim’s uncle, the Mahishmari police camp directed them to the Joynagar police station, where they were told to return to the Mahishmari camp.
Angered by the perceived inaction of the police, a mob of about 200 villagers stormed the Mahishmari police outpost, setting it ablaze and vandalizing the premises. In response, law enforcement deployed a large contingent, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), to restore order. The police resorted to using tear gas and lathi charges to disperse the angry crowd.
Palash Chandra Dhali, the superintendent of police for the Baruipur police district, stated, “We received information around 9 PM on Friday. A case was registered, and the accused has been arrested. When police went to the village around 3:30 AM on Saturday, villagers staged a protest. We are looking into the grievances of the villagers.”
The situation escalated as the villagers took to the streets with makeshift weapons, including lathis, brooms, and kitchen utensils. Protests intensified, leading to confrontations with law enforcement. Even local political representatives, such as Ganesh Chandra Mondal, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislator from Kultali, faced hostility from the irate villagers.
As the community mourns the loss of a young life, the demand for justice and accountability from law enforcement continues to grow, highlighting the urgent need for effective police response in similar situations. The investigation into the case is ongoing as authorities seek to address the concerns of the grieving community.
Sources By Agencies
