Pakistan, July 15 -- The rape and killing of an 11-year-old girl in India's West Bengal state has once again drawn attention to the country's persistent problem of sexual violence against women and children, sparking public outrage and renewed calls for stronger protections.

According to police, the girl went missing after leaving home to attend a friend's birthday party in the town of Baruipur. Investigators allege that she was kidnapped, sexually assaulted and later killed before her body was found in a nearby pond. Authorities have arrested several suspects in connection with the case, while one suspect was killed during a police operation after allegedly attempting to seize an officer's weapon.

The incident has renewed concerns over...