“It is not possible for one person to commit this crime. Police are trying to shelter two-three accused persons who have political connections,” said NCPCR member Dr Divya Gupta.

“I am very worried and we expect a woman chief minister to at least issue a statement. It pains me to know that she was in Malda at that time,” said Gupta. “The incident took place on January 29. It should be noted that it was because of a political rally in Malda district that police delayed the investigation. If a team from Delhi has come to inquire it is because even after eight days we haven’t reached any conclusion yet,” she added.

On January 29, an 11-year-old girl’s beheaded body was found in the Malda district. The police have arrested the victim’s uncle in alleged connection with the incident.

Senior TMC leader Narayan Choudhury said it was a shocking incident and the police were investigating the case. “We are with the family of the girl,” he said.

— With PTI inputs