Kolkata

Police have arrested five more people in connection with the mob violence that erupted after the alleged rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, taking the total number of arrests in the violence-related cases to 35, officials said on Friday.

According to a senior officer of the Baruipur Police district, the latest arrests were made during overnight raids carried out in different locations under the district's jurisdiction. Police said efforts are continuing to identify and apprehend others allegedly involved in the unrest.

"Five more accused have been taken into custody, bringing the total number of arrests in the mob violence cases to 35. Search operations are continuing and additional arrests are expected," the officer said.

He added that investigators are examining the role of every individual involved in the violence, whether directly or indirectly.

Police have registered two separate FIRs in the aftermath of the incident. One relates to the lynching of a man suspected by local residents of involvement in the girl's rape and murder, while the second concerns attacks on police personnel and destruction of public property during the protests.

The officer said investigators have identified several suspects through video footage and technical evidence.

"Assaulting police personnel and damaging public property are serious offences. Legal action will be taken against everyone found responsible," he said.

The incident began after the 11-year-old girl went missing on Saturday. According to police, she had left her home in Baruipur to purchase a birthday gift for a friend. Her family reported her missing, and her body was recovered the following day.

Soon after the body was found, an angry crowd allegedly lynched a local man, Indrajit Mondal, believing he was responsible for the crime. Protesters also blocked roads, disrupted railway movement and allegedly vandalised public property.

Police personnel attempting to restore order were reportedly attacked, while several police vehicles were damaged during the violence.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari later stated that Mondal was innocent and announced that those involved in his lynching would face murder charges.

In the investigation into the alleged rape and murder, police have so far arrested four accused — Anand Sardar, identified as the prime accused, along with Prabhas Mondal, Dibakar Sardar and Kabir Molla.

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Police said Prabhas Mondal was killed in an encounter on Tuesday night after he allegedly tried to snatch a service weapon from an officer and escape while investigators were reconstructing the crime scene.