Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Oct 25: Tension prevailed in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on Sunday after the body of a 17-year-old girl, suspected to have been raped and murdered, was recovered near her relative's house.
Police at Gaighata Police Station have launched an investigation and detained one of the girl's relatives for questioning in connection with the suspected crime.
Based on the condition in which the body was found, investigators suspect that the case could involve rape and murder. However, a district police officer said the exact cause of death and whether the girl was sexually assaulted would be established only after the post-mortem examination. The body has been sent for an autopsy.
According to information available, the girl had gone out with family members and friends on Saturday night to attend a musical programme near her house. The event continued till late at night.
Her family members claimed that around midnight, she received a phone call on her mobile and left the venue, but did not return. After the programme ended, they searched for her but were unable to trace her.
Her body was finally found behind her relative's residence on Sunday morning.
The victim's maternal aunt recounted the events leading up to the incident.
"Yesterday, there was a musical programme here. We left home at 8 p.m. to attend. We met her on the street. She said she would be going to the same musical function with her friend. So, we left. After the programme, we returned home. Then, I heard she had not returned home. I called her up. But the phone was on hold. We fell asleep thinking it was a network problem. Later in the morning, I heard about this incident," she said.
Police suspect that more than one person could be involved in the crime. The detained relative is being questioned as investigators work to establish the motive and identify any other suspects.
A local police official said one person had been detained and was being questioned, adding that the investigation was ongoing. Police are also examining whether any other accused may have fled to Bangladesh, given the area's proximity to the international border.
BJP MLA from Gaighata, Subrata Thakur, visited the spot and said he, his party and the administration stood with the victim's family.
"The one or those who committed this heinous act will be given the strictest punishment. One person has been detained. I have spoken to the inspector-in-charge of the Gaighata Police Station. A legal case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 has been registered. Investigation is underway. The maximum punishment is required in such incidents," he said.