Kolkata: Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya on Wednesday reiterated the party’s “zero tolerance” policy on crime, while BJP’s state spokesperson Debjit Sarkar termed the encounter of Prabhas Mandal — the first accused arrested in the Baruipur rape and murder incident — as a “divine justice”.
“The demon Prabhas Mondal, who raped and killed a 12-year-old girl in Baruipur, was killed in police firing during the early hours of Tuesday, after he tried to flee with fire arms,” Sarkar posted on X.
Speaking after an event in Kolkata’s Mahajati Sadan, Bhattacharya said, “Those who have committed rape or murder will not be spared. They will be dug out from their graves. Criminals should either be behind the bars or should die.” He reiterated BJP’s promise of “bhay out, bharosa in” and asserted that the party would not interfere in the functioning of the govt.
“The home minister will take necessary steps and the govt will ensure action against those who have vandalised govt property. While we don’t believe in the politics of violence, no criminal can be saved now even if he enjoys the shelter of a political neta,” he said.
Union minister Sukanta Majumdar defended the police action, saying the force had acted in self-defence. “The accused tried to flee after snatching police’s weapons. He also opened fire towards police. It is quite obvious that cops will not shoot sweets at the person who has opened fire at them,” he said.
Bengal BJP said the key takeaway from the incident was that “criminals must quickly face the law” and that “true justice means ensuring the safety of every citizen without any compromise or unnecessary delay.”
Bhattacharya also demanded the reopening of Kamduni case files. “I am requesting the state govt to reopen the Kamduni files. The victim of the incident did not get justice as the earlier govt tried to appease a section of people,” he said.