CID begins probe into Baruipur encounter, forensic team collects samples

Kolkata, Jul 10 (PTI) The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Friday began its probe into the alleged encounter of Prabhas Mondal, the prime accused in the Baruipur minor rape-and-murder case, with a forensic team visiting the spot and collecting samples, a senior officer said. The CID forensic team reached the encounter site in Baruipur on Friday afternoon and collected various samples from the spot for examination, he said. "A forensic team has collected samples from the place of occurrence. The materials will be sent for examination as part of the investigation," a senior CID officer told PTI. The officer said the collected evidence would be analysed and further action would be taken based on the findings. "The investigation is at an initial stage. All aspects of the incident are being examined, and statements of relevant persons will also be recorded," the officer added. The CID has taken up the investigation into the circumstances leading to the encounter involving Mondal, who was identified as the main accused in the Baruipur rape and murder case. On Tuesday, police claimed that Prabash was taken to the crime scene shortly after midnight for reconstruction of the incident when the accused allegedly snatched the service revolver of a police officer, fired a round and attempted to flee. Another officer then opened fire, injuring him, police claimed. Prabhas was taken to Baruipur Sub-Divisional Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The body of the minor, who had gone missing on July 4, was found stuffed in a sack in Surjyapur Haat area the next day, triggering a protest by locals who blocked the Baruipur-Joynagar Road, burnt tyres and damaged a few police vehicles, demanding the arrest of the accused persons. Hours after the girl's body was recovered on Sunday, a man was beaten to death by angry locals on suspicion of involvement in the girl's death. Three people were arrested in connection with the rape-murder case. A six-member special investigation team (SIT) was formed to probe the matter. Police have arrested 35 people for their alleged involvement in the vandalism following the disappearance of the minor last week. PTI SCH RG