Goa, Oct. 27 -- A 23-year-old man accused of raping and murdering a 17-year-old girl in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district died in police firing during a crime scene reconstruction exercise, police sources said on Tuesday.

The accused, identified as Prahlad Das, allegedly snatched a service revolver from an escorting police officer and opened fire at personnel while being taken to the crime spot in Gaighata. Police reportedly retaliated in self-defence, leaving him seriously injured.

Das was taken to Chandpara Rural Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

According to police sources, no personnel were injured in the firing. Authorities are expected to examine how the accuse...