Investigating Officer Changed in Baruipur Case; Two More Arrested in Mob Lynching Probe

MP, July 13, 2026, Kolkata : The state police have replaced the Investigating Officer (IO) probing the rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Suryapur, Baruipur, amid heightened political tension and controversy surrounding the police encounter in which the prime accused was killed.

Two more persons were also arrested in connection with the mob lynching of an innocent man mistaken for the accused.

Meanwhile, local BJP leader Shantanu Mondal has neither been arrested nor called for questioning, despite allegations that he exploited his political influence to assist the suspects and facilitate the escape of Ananda Sardar.

It has been alleged that when the police had detained Ananda at the Suryapur Police Camp, Shantanu stormed the facility and left with the accused.

According to sources, Shantanu Mukherjee, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)-rank officer, has been appointed the new IO in the rape and murder case.

The change follows the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and comes as the probe has drawn intense public and political scrutiny.

The investigation has already seen multiple leadership changes.

Diganta Mondal was the first IO, after which Jayanta Poddar took over.

Mukherjee is now the third officer to head the investigation.

Sources said the decision was taken in view of the complexity of the case, with the SIT seeking a comprehensive probe from multiple angles to ensure that no gaps remain in the investigation.

In the parallel probe into the mob lynching of Indrajit Mondal, two more persons were arrested for allegedly assaulting him after he was mistaken for being involved in the rape and murder.

With the latest arrests, seven persons have been held in the lynching case.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said a total of 40 people had so far been arrested in connection with the violence that followed the crime, while around 200 persons had been identified.

On Saturday, Adhikari handed over a government job appointment letter and financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh to Indrajit's family.

He also inaugurated a police outpost at Suryapur in Baruipur and directed Director General of Police Siddh Nath Gupta to dismantle all illegal hooch and ganja dens in the area within a stipulated time frame, saying the crackdown was necessary to curb anti-social activities in the region.