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Key accused Prabhas Mondal killed in police encounter (Img: Dynamite News)
Kolkata: The investigation into the Baruipur rape-murder case took a dramatic turn on Tuesday after key accused in the alleged rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in West Bengal's Baruipur was killed in a police encounter after allegedly attempting to escape during a crime scene reconstruction, officials said on Tuesday.
The deceased, identified as Prabhas Mondal, had been arrested in connection with the case that sparked widespread outrage across the state. According to police, he was taken to the crime scene shortly after midnight to help investigators recreate the sequence of events.
Police said Mondal was brought to the spot around 12.45 am as part of the investigation. During the reconstruction exercise, he allegedly snatched a firearm from a police personnel and attempted to flee.
Officials said police opened fire to prevent his escape. Mondal sustained bullet injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Police maintained that the firing took place while trying to stop the accused from escaping custody.
Before the encounter, Mondal's mother had publicly appealed for the harshest punishment if her son was found guilty. Speaking to reporters, she had said he should receive the punishment he deserved and added that she herself would have handed him over to the police.
Investigators had earlier identified Mondal as one of the prime suspects after CCTV footage allegedly showed him with the victim before the incident.
The case has triggered widespread protests in Baruipur following the recovery of the girl's body on Sunday. Hours after the body was found, a man suspected by local residents of involvement in the crime was allegedly beaten to death by an angry mob.
Police have arrested three people in connection with the case and formed a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged rape and murder.
