Kolkata, July 10 -- A CID forensic team on Friday inspected Baruipur police station and the site where prime accused Prabhas Mondal was killed in a police encounter, as questions over the police version continued to surface ahead of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's scheduled visit to the area on Saturday.
The forensic experts, accompanied by CID officers, questioned members of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) about the encounter before visiting the spot and collecting samples for examination.
The encounter has come under scrutiny after residents of the nearby locality claimed they did not hear any gunshots that night, although police said three rounds were fired. The site is around 200 metres from residential houses.
Locals also pointed out that the muddy approach road would have made it difficult to run. Allegations have also surfaced against local BJP leader Shantanu Mondal, who is accused of helping some of the suspects flee after the crime and of securing the release of accused Ananda Sardar from a police camp. Though reportedly named in the FIR, he is yet to be traced by police.
Meanwhile, Adhikari is expected to inaugurate the new permanent police outpost at Suryapur, promised after the rape and murder of the minor girl triggered widespread outrage. The outpost was set up within 48 hours following the Chief Minister's directions to the Director General of Police and the Home Secretary. Presidency Range IGP Kankar Prasad Barui on Friday inspected the rented building and directed officials to expedite the remaining work. The first floor will house the officer-in-charge's office, other official rooms and a lock-up, while the second floor will serve as barracks for police personnel.
The Chief Minister is also expected to meet the victim's family and visit the residence of Indrajit Mondal, the autorickshaw driver who was lynched after being mistaken for one of the accused. Ahead of the visit, the administration began repairing the family's house, installed CCTV cameras and provided food grains, clothes and other essentials. Adhikari has described Indrajit as innocent and assured his family of government support and justice. Two persons have been arrested in the lynching case so far.
Police said four FIRs have been registered in connection with the Baruipur incident. Four persons were arrested in the minor's rape-murder case, while 33 others have been held in separate cases involving attacks on police personnel, vandalism, road and rail blockades and other violence that followed the crime.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.