'No Blockade, All Parties Free to Visit': Bengal Govt Signals Shift In Handling Baruipur Horror

Last Updated:July 07, 2026, 17:04 IST

Apart from political access, the state government says it has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards the crime itself, invoking the most stringent sections against the accused

“There is no blockade. I am open to suggestions from all political parties. Representatives of all political parties are free to visit. The only request is that they do not create large crowds at the site." With these remarks, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari sought to stress what the state government says is a departure from past administrative practices in handling politically sensitive criminal cases.

Backing the chief minister’s stand, municipal affairs and urban development minister Agnimitra Paul also dismissed allegations that the administration was preventing political leaders from meeting the family of the Baruipur victim.

“In the last 15 years, you did not send any delegation. But now you are sending one? If you want to help, there is no problem," she said, pointing fingers at the Trinamool Congress.

The comments come amid political sparring over the gang rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas, with the BJP government maintaining that unlike previous administrations, it has not imposed restrictions on opposition leaders visiting the victim’s family.

According to the government, leaders from across the political spectrum have been allowed to travel to the village without administrative hurdles, provided they do not create law-and-order issues. A Trinamool Congress delegation comprising Dola Sen, Biman Banerjee and Pratima Mondal visited the victim’s residence, while Left leaders also met the family.

Sources in the administration also rejected claims that former chief minister Mamata Banerjee had been placed under house arrest, saying the police presence outside her Kalighat residence was part of routine security arrangements. Banerjee later held a candle march without any restrictions, officials pointed out.

Govt Promises Strictest Punishment

Alongside allowing political access, the state government says it has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards the crime itself.

Adhikari has spoken to the victim’s father and assured him of a swift investigation and complete support from the state government. He is also scheduled to review the investigation personally at the Baruipur Superintendent of Police’s office. The chief minister has warned that any police officer found negligent in handling the initial missing person’s complaint will face dismissal from service.

The government has also said it will support the victim’s family’s demand for the harshest possible punishment and seek capital punishment for the accused during trial.

Stringent Charges Invoked Against Accused

Police have arrested three accused, including the prime suspect, and invoked multiple stringent provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The charges include sections corresponding to rape, gang rape, murder, destruction or concealment of evidence, criminal conspiracy, kidnapping and abduction of a minor and aggravated penetrative sexual assault.

Officials said the use of these provisions reflects the government’s decision to pursue the strongest possible legal case against the accused.

What The Investigation Has Found So Far

According to the preliminary post-mortem report, the 11-year-old victim suffered severe physical assault before her death.

The autopsy recorded multiple blunt-force injuries to the head and injuries to her private parts. Investigators said the presence of water in her stomach indicated that drowning was the cause of death. Viscera samples have been sent for forensic examination as investigators continue to gather scientific evidence.

About the Author

Kamalika Sengupta

Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting...Read More

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