Girl’s body found in pond in West Bengal; family alleges rape and murder

The mutilated body of a 12-year-old minor girl was recovered from a pond in Baruipur in South 24 Parganas on Sunday, July 5, 2026, with family members claiming that she was raped and murdered.

The incident sparked protests in the area when an angry mob beat to death a 40-year-old man who they suspected of being the defendant’s partner.

According to officials, the victim’s parents in Baruipur’s Suryapur village lodged a First Information Report (FIR) following her disappearance on Saturday night (July 4, 2026).

“She went to visit a friend in the evening but did not return home. Later, on Sunday morning, her dismembered body was recovered from a pond. Following the development, family members and locals claimed that she was raped and murdered by some influential people in the area. However, the truth is yet to be ascertained,” said an officer from Baruipur police station.

Protesters staged a protest by blocking a road in Baruipur in South 24 Parganas district on July 5, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI

The girl’s family members and some residents staged a protest demanding immediate action against the accused. They blocked a nearby train line on the Sealdah-Namkhana route for an hour. Officials said they staged a sit-in protest with the girl’s body, which disrupted road traffic for more than three to four hours. Protesters burned tires.

Senior officials, including Presidential Area Inspector General Kankar Prasad Barui, reached the spot and spoke to the protesters, after which they ended the dharna and handed over the body to the police for post-mortem.

Protesters damaged a police vehicle during the protest. | Photo Credit: PTI

Mr. Barui said Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari spoke to him and the police arrested one person. “Anyone who committed this crime will not be spared. A thorough investigation is being carried out. Everyone is requested to maintain peace,” he said.

After meeting with senior officials, the victim’s father said, “The Prime Minister called and asked me to meet him on Tuesday. We will go and meet. He said that no stone will be left unturned to punish the perpetrators.”

Women’s safety has been a key priority of the BJP government. During the last Assembly elections, the party cornered the previous Trinamool Congress government over several sexual assault cases.

Coming to Does he care about the safety and security of women after being passed over?”