Legal Probe Ordered for Police Shooting of Accused in 12‑Year‑Old Murder

In Baruiapur, South 24‑Parganas, law‑enforcement officials faced intense scrutiny after the lethal encounter that claimed the life of Pravas Mandal, one of four suspects in the rape and murder of a 12‑year‑old girl. The state secretariat clarified that procedural norms prevent the local police from conducting the investigation, mandating a CID‑led review.

Mandal’s attempt to escape by grabbing a weapon and firing at officers triggered a decisive response. Sub‑Inspector Arghya Mandal opened fire, delivering two shots—one to the right side of the chest and another above the waist—resulting in Mandal’s death at a nearby hospital.

The CID has been entrusted with gathering evidence and preparing a comprehensive report. Simultaneously, a judicial inquiry—required by law for every police encounter—has already started and will run in parallel to ensure transparency and accountability.