Baruipur rape-murder: CPM neta Lahek Ali arrested for inciting mob violence; courtroom sees high drama with 50 lawyers arguing
Times of India | 14 July 2026
Baruipur: CPM neta Lahek Ali was arrested on Sunday night on charges of inciting violence in Suryapur following the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl. Ali, CPM’s candidate for the Baruipur West seat in the 2026 assembly election, was produced before a Baruipur court on Monday afternoon and remanded in police custody until July 21. At the court, as many as 50 lawyers argued for both sides.
The court premises saw dramatic events unfold with Ali being forced to wear a helmet while being taken out of the prison van despite him voicing protest and saying he wanted to enter with his head held high since he had done nothing wrong. This triggered speculation that the cop move was made to prevent possible attacks, including egg-throwing.
“The accused incited so much that the mob attacked and lynched a man, attacked police outpost and damaged public property,” claimed special public prosecutor Bivas Chatterjee. Cops have filed multiple charges against Ali under BNS, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, the MPO Act, and the Indian Railways Act.
Speaking to reporters, Ali said, “False allegations have been brought against me. Let them prove that I made inflammatory remarks,” he said.
Ali’s lawyer Sayan Bandyopadhya siad, “Police are carrying out a biased investigation. Ali has been arrested to please the CM...The video shows Ali trying to calm the agitated crowd.”
While CPM’s Sujan Chakraborty claimed Ali arrived at the spot after the lynching, BJP spokesperson Debajit Sarkar said, “Rule of law prevails in the state now. If someone incites violence, arrest is inevitable.”
Meanwhile, normalcy is gradually returning to Suryapur and markets, shops and vehicular movement have largely resumed. Police have intensified surveillance in the area through the newly established outpost, while DSP Shantanu Mukhopadhyay is monitoring the overall investigation.