Burnt Body of Young Woman Found in Krishnanagar Puja Mandap: Police Arrest Boyfriend on Charges of Rape and Murder

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 16, 2024, Krishnanagar: A shocking discovery in the early hours of Wednesday morning has left the residents of Krishnanagar in a state of disbelief and fear. Around 7 a.m., locals were horrified to find the naked, burnt body of a young woman lying in an abandoned Durga Puja mandap. The gruesome scene was immediately reported to the Krishnanagar Kotwali police station, who rushed to the spot and recovered the body.

The deceased has been identified as Pyu Acharya, an 18-year-old woman from North Kalinagar in the Nadia district. The young woman’s body was discovered in the vacant mandap, where the Durga idol had already been removed following the conclusion of the festival. The disturbing state in which the body was found — burned and naked — suggested foul play, with police suspecting the use of acid or another substance to disfigure her face and hide her identity.

Initial investigations point to the possibility of the crime being an attempt to destroy evidence. The authorities are probing whether the victim was raped before being murdered. Forensic teams have been called in to assist with the investigation, and the body has been sent for an autopsy.

The eerie circumstances of the discovery have sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, which is located near key government offices, including the District Magistrate's office and the Superintendent of Police's office, both less than 200 meters away from the crime scene. Despite the proximity of these institutions and the presence of morning workers, including nurses, no one noticed anything suspicious until the lifeless body was spotted by passersby.

A local woman who first saw the body stated, "I was walking past the empty mandap when I saw her lying there. I had never seen her before; she didn’t seem to be from this area." Police are investigating whether the crime occurred elsewhere and the body was later moved to the mandap to avoid detection.

The incident has triggered a political storm, with BJP MP Shamik Bhattacharya commenting on the deteriorating law and order situation in West Bengal. He said, "This is not an isolated case. The state of lawlessness under the current government is such that criminals are bold enough to burn a young woman in a Durga Puja mandap and believe there will be no consequences."

By Wednesday afternoon, police had managed to identify the body through family members who were called in after receiving a photograph of the victim. The family of the deceased has accused her boyfriend of being involved in her rape and murder. Acting swiftly on this lead, the police have arrested the accused, who is now being questioned.

The case has drawn intense attention from both the public and law enforcement agencies, with many demanding swift justice. As the investigation continues, the autopsy report and forensic evidence are expected to shed more light on the crime, particularly whether sexual assault was involved before the murder.

Residents of Krishnanagar are still reeling from the brutal incident, especially given the religious significance of the location where the body was found. The area, known for its bustling community during the Durga Puja season, has now become a site of horror and grief.

Police have intensified their investigation and assured the public that they are doing everything possible to bring those responsible to justice. In the meantime, the family of Pyu Acharya is left grappling with their devastating loss, hoping for a quick resolution to the case and punishment for those involved.