Baruipur rape-murder accused Prabhas Mondal killed in police encounter

Baruipur rape-murder accused Prabhas Mondal killed in police encounter

Prabhas Mondal, a key suspect in the gangrape and murder of a young girl in Baruipur, West Bengal, was killed in a police encounter during the early hours of Tuesday, July 8, 2026. The incident occurred while officers were conducting a formal reconstruction of the crime scene.

Police reported that Mondal was transported to the site in Suryapur around 12.45 am. According to officials, the situation escalated when the accused snatched a service weapon from a police officer. Police claimed Mondal fired a shot at the team and attempted to flee, prompting officers to return fire in self-defence. Mondal sustained bullet wounds and was rushed to Baruipur Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The encounter follows a period of intense volatility in the South 24 Parganas district. The victim, described as an 11-year-old girl by some reports and a 12-year-old by others, had gone out to purchase a birthday gift for a friend on July 4, 2026. Her body was recovered from a pond in the Surjyapur Haat area on Sunday, July 5, 2026, allegedly stuffed inside a sack.

Preliminary autopsy findings confirmed rape and indicated the victim had been strangled to death. The report also noted severe abuse, including multiple bite marks.

Mondal was identified as a prime suspect after CCTV footage from a shop in Suryapur, timestamped July 4, 2026, at approximately 16:44, showed him walking closely with the girl. In the footage, Mondal appears in a red shirt and blue cap, guiding the child along a paved road past railings and shopfronts.

The discovery of the body triggered widespread fury. Residents blocked the Baruipur-Joynagar Road, set tires on fire, and damaged police vehicles. During the unrest, a mob lynched a man suspected of involvement in the crime. This man was later identified as Indrajit Mondal.

West Bengal leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari stated that Indrajit Mondal was innocent and assured his family they would receive justice. Adhikari also alleged that the unrest was orchestrated by "radical, anti-national forces" and individuals linked to the opposition, noting that investigators have secured call logs to identify those instigating the violence.

Adhikari contacted the victim's father by phone to guarantee an uncompromised investigation. He directed Director General of Police Siddh Nath Gupta to provide a detailed report on the case within 72 hours, warning of consequences for any investigative lapses. Furthermore, Adhikari stated that action would be taken against approximately 200 people identified for damaging public property, including railway tracks.

In response to the community's needs, Adhikari pledged to inaugurate a new police outpost in Surjyapur during an upcoming visit. He indicated that a decision regarding compensation and support for the families involved would be finalized following a follow-up meeting within the week.

Mondal was one of three individuals arrested in connection with the case. The others have been identified as Ananda Sardar—referred to by some as the prime accused—and Dibakar Sardar. A six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the rape and murder.

Before his death, Mondal's own mother had publicly called for the harshest possible punishment if her son were found guilty, stating she would have handed him over to the police herself.

Police stated that investigations into the rape-murder case and the circumstances surrounding the encounter that killed Prabhas Mondal remain underway.