Kaliaganj: A protest against the alleged rape and murder of a minor girl in Kaliaganj in West Bengal's North Dinajpur district turned violent on Saturday with protesters clashing with police and pelting stones at them while the latter resorted to lathi-charge and fired teargas to quell the crowd. An irate mob ransacked several shops and set a few shops on fire, triggering tension in the area.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken cognizance of a video, shared on Twitter, that reportedly showed the minor girl raped and murdered by a group of men when asked the West Bengal Director General of Police to intervene and "ensure that a fair and time-bound investigation" is conducted. The Commission also stated that an FIR under relevant sections be registered if allegations are proven true. Also, action should be taken against the "erring police officers for dragging the (victim's) body inappropriately", the Commission stated. It has asked the State government to submit a detailed action-taken report within three days.
BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar, who visited Kaliaganj today, demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident as earlier demanded by the victim's mother. He said the party would request the court in this regard. Also, he demanded that the National Human Rights Commission and National Child Rights Protection Commission conduct independent inquiries. Also, the BJP leader demanded an inquiry against the Raiganj Superintendent of Police and IC of Kaliaganj police station for their inability to handle the case properly.
Majumder was accompanied by Raiganj MP Debashree Chodhuri, MP Khagen Murmu, and several BJP MLAs. Which, the victim's body was brought home after the autopsy. Majumder alleged that women and girls of the Rajbanshi community were being attacked frequently. He also alleged that the girl was killed in a planned manner. He said that a CBI investigation will reveal the reason behind the murder. The girl's body was buried in front of the house in the presence of the BJP leadership in apprehension that the CBI investigation may be affected if it was cremated.
Also Read: Girl's body found in the pond, family alleges sexual assault and murder
On Friday, the victim's family alleged that the girl was allegedly raped and murdered. After the 17-year-old girl was found dead in the pond, tension prevailed in the area with the victim's family refusing to part with her body till action was taken against the accused. The victim's mother had named four accused in her complaint and demanded a CBI inquiry into her daughter's death. Police said two persons have been arrested in connection with the incident so far.
