Kolkata, 5 Sept

The body of a 10-year-old girl was found in a marshy land in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district on Saturday, triggering arson by locals at a police outpost there. Villagers alleged that the minor, who was missing since Friday evening, was raped and murdered, and the police did not act on their complaint immediately.

As the body of the girl was recovered by locals in Jaynagar area early this morning, a mob torched the Mahismari police outpost and pelted the policemen with stones. They also vandalised several vehicles parked outside the outpost and the policemen were forced to leave the premises, a senior officer said.

A huge police force was sent to the area and tear gas shells were fired to quell the mob which tried to confine the SDPO and other senior personnel at the spot. "The family members of the girl lodged an FIR at the Mahismari outpost in the area but the police did not act on the complaint immediately," a local claimed.

The police responded in the same manner as they did after the body of a woman doctor was found at RG Kar hospital in August, another villager said. "We will continue our agitation till all those accused in the rape and murder of our minor daughter are punished. We also demand action against those who responded to the complaint late, which might have resulted in her death. Had the police acted promptly, the girl could have been rescued," Ganesh Dolui, a local, said.

The police, however, said the action was taken immediately after the complaint was received and an accused was arrested in connection with the alleged rape and murder of the girl. "After lodging of FIR at 9pm on Friday, police swung into action and arrested an accused this morning after an initial probe. Investigation is on and we are with the family of the deceased.

"Those involved in arson at the police outpost and destroying of all important documents will be identified and action will be taken against them," the official added.

Kultali TMC MLA Ganesh Mondal was chased away by the villagers when he went to the spot to pacify the locals who accused him of trying to support the "police inaction".

Mondal later told reporters that he understood the grievances and anger of the people of the area but they should not take the law in their hands. "Our party and I are with the aggrieved villagers and the parents of the child. I have requested the police to investigate the matter thoroughly, frame charges against the accused and do whatever is required to instil confidence among the people," he said.

Expressing shock over the incident, Union Minister and West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar said, “A Class 4 girl was forcibly lifted, raped and murdered while returning from tuition. The women of Bengal are not safe. They are being killed even during Devi Paksha (the 15 period heralding the advent of goddess Durga since Mahalaya).” “West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has failed to ensure the safety of women,” he said on X.

Meanwhile, the BJP held a demonstration in Salt Lake area against the alleged rape and murder of the girl and raised a slogan ‘Dhikkar Dhikkar’ (we condemn) against police personnel.