Bengal Ministers Defend Gaighata Accused’s Police Encounter; TMC MP Saugata Roy Seeks Judicial Probe

The incident, which took place in the early hours of Tuesday, has triggered contrasting reactions, with the ministers backing the police response while Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saugata Roy calling for a judicial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Das’s death.

Minister Ashok Kirtania defended the police action, saying that those involved in crimes against women and children would face consequences.

“This is Suvendu Ji’s government, and Suvendu Adhikari is the police minister. Those who commit wrongdoings and commit such crimes against women and children will face appropriate action, like the action taken last night,” Kirtania said.

Questioning whether the police could be expected to remain passive when attacked, he said the force had been given full authority to respond to such situations.

Kirtania also warned those involved in criminal activities against continuing their actions, saying that people committing rape and other serious offences would face strict consequences.

## Dilip Ghosh Calls for Stronger Law and Order

Reacting to the encounter, Minister Dilip Ghosh said similar incidents had occurred in the past and maintained that nobody was above the law.

“Such an incident has happened before as well, where an accused involved in a murder was fleeing, and an encounter took place. Something similar has happened here too. No one is above the law. If someone breaks the law, they will face such consequences,” Ghosh said.

He also stressed the need to strengthen law and order across West Bengal, arguing that a firmer enforcement environment could encourage people to act more cautiously.

Ghosh added that preventing heinous crimes required both stronger law enforcement and greater social awareness, including efforts to promote values that discourage criminal behaviour.

## TMC MP Saugata Roy Demands Judicial Inquiry

TMC MP Saugata Roy questioned the circumstances surrounding Das’s death and called for an independent examination of the incident.

Describing it as an encounter killing by the police, Roy said a judicial inquiry should be conducted to establish what had happened.

His demand comes as questions remain over the sequence of events that led to the accused being shot during police custody.

## What Happened During the Police Operation?

Prahlad Das was accused of raping and murdering a minor girl in Gaighata, in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, last week.

According to sources familiar with the incident, Das was taken to the crime scene after his arrest for a reconstruction of the sequence of events.

During the exercise, he allegedly snatched a firearm from an escorting police officer and opened fire on the police personnel. The escorting team retaliated, leaving him seriously injured.

Das was subsequently taken to a nearby state-run hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

The account of the encounter has been attributed to sources familiar with the development. Roy’s demand for a judicial inquiry highlights the need for scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the police action.