The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the West Bengal Police is investigating the death of a 12-year-old girl in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas district. They are exploring potential connections between the arrested suspects and a girls’ trafficking network in the area. An officer from the Baruipur Police District mentioned that this line of inquiry emerged from leads obtained while questioning family members and neighbors of the accused.
The officer, speaking anonymously, did not disclose specific details to avoid compromising the investigation. However, there are suspicions that the victim might have been lured by one of the accused under the guise of trafficking. The district police officer highlighted that further investigation is required to clarify these aspects, especially the role of alcohol in the crime.
Four individuals, including the suspected prime accused Ananda Sardar, were apprehended in the case. Tragically, Pravas Mondal was killed in a police encounter when he allegedly attempted to seize a police officer’s firearm. The state government has assigned the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to look into the encounter and present a report, while a separate judicial inquiry is also in progress.
Authorities revealed that the Baruipur area, where the incident occurred, has witnessed a rise in missing girls over the past few years. Approximately 150 girls, mostly minors, have disappeared from the region in the last three years. This surge has raised concerns about a potential organized girls’ trafficking network operating in the vicinity. Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition, has pledged a “zero tolerance” stance on crimes against women if elected, promising strict penalties for offenders.
