Divine Justice or UP 2.0? Bengal’s Political Crisis Over Baruipur Gang-Rape Case
Indiadailyupdate.com – The phrase “Divine justice or UP 2.0?” has become a rallying cry in West Bengal as the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clash over the Baruipur gang-rape and murder case. On the night of July 7, a police encounter led to the death of Prabhas Mondol, a key suspect in the crime involving a 12-year-old girl. Mondol, captured on CCTV footage with the victim before the incident, was reportedly promised Rs 10,000 to lure her to a secluded area where other suspects were waiting. The event has ignited fierce political debate, with both parties accusing each other of escalating tensions in the state.
The girl disappeared on Saturday, and her body was found by police on Sunday. Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, though the exact roles of each suspect remain under investigation. The fatal encounter took place in Suryapur, a location near the pond where the victim’s body was discovered. Mondol allegedly seized a revolver from a constable during the operation and opened fire, prompting the police to return fire and wound him in the chest and waist. He was taken to a hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. This incident has been dubbed “UP 2.0” by TMC leaders, drawing parallels to the aggressive policing style seen in Uttar Pradesh under Yogi Adityanath.
Family’s Reaction and BJP’s Response
Prabhas Mondol’s mother, Sandhya, addressed reporters following the incident, stating,
“He got what he deserved for what he did.”
She added,
“I don’t want to see his face. I will not go to claim the body, and no family member will either.”
Her remarks reflect the deep emotional impact of the crime and the family’s resolve to hold the perpetrators accountable. Meanwhile, BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya defended the action, declaring,
“The BJP government has taken strong action. No accused will be spared. That is the message.”
Another BJP leader, Debjit Sarkar, framed the encounter as a form of “divine justice,” echoing similar sentiments from leaders in other states.
Political Dynamics and Allegations
TMC leaders from the Mamata Banerjee faction accused the BJP of adopting a strategy reminiscent of Uttar Pradesh’s “UP 2.0” model, where high-profile encounters are used to target suspects quickly. They argued that the incident marks the beginning of a new phase in BJP-led governance, one that prioritizes swift justice over due process. TMC MP Mahua Moitra highlighted Mondol’s role as the sole eyewitness, saying,
“He is the only eyewitness and led the police to the body.”
She questioned,
“Who is Raja? Who is the BJP shielding?”
Her comments underscore the growing suspicion that the BJP might be protecting key figures in the case.
Saugata Roy, a prominent TMC leader, criticized the encounter, stating,
“The accused should be produced in court. But like in Yogi’s state, encounter deaths have begun.”
He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, suggesting that the BJP is emulating the tactics of its Uttar Pradesh counterpart to assert control over the narrative. This political maneuvering has drawn attention to the broader implications of the case, with critics arguing that it reflects a shift toward more punitive measures in the state’s law enforcement.
Investigations and Rising Tensions
CPI(M) leader Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya raised concerns about the encounter, suggesting it may have been planned to divert attention from other controversies affecting the BJP. He pointed to growing communal tensions and questioned whether the government was using the case to silence dissent. Meanwhile, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury visited the victim’s family in Baruipur on Wednesday, despite earlier claims of being under house arrest. Mamata Banerjee reportedly spoke to them via phone, signaling a potential reconciliation or at least a gesture of empathy.
As the body of Mondol remains at the hospital for a magistral inquest, the case continues to polarize public opinion. Supporters of the BJP view the encounter as a necessary step to deliver justice swiftly, while TMC leaders and civil society groups accuse the government of bypassing legal procedures. The phrase “Divine justice or UP 2.0?” now symbolizes the growing divide between the ruling party and its opponents, with each side using the incident to bolster their political narratives. The outcome of the inquest may determine the next chapter in this unfolding political drama.
