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The Bidhannagar police arrested the prime accused in the brutal rape and murder of a 13-year-old girl in Newtown within 36 hours of the complaint. The accused, identified as 25-year-old Soumitra Roy from Nadia district, was taken into custody early Sunday morning after intensive raids and analysis of thousands of CCTV footage, officials confirmed.
Soumitra Roy, an e-rickshaw driver, resided on rent in Adarshapalli, near the victim’s neighbourhood. Investigations suggest that he offered the minor a ride, possibly under the pretence of taking her home, before allegedly committing the crime.
The Crime and Investigation
The victim’s body was discovered on Friday morning under suspicious circumstances in the bushes beside a residential complex in New Town’s upscale Action Area 1. A postmortem examination confirmed death due to “manual strangulation” and indicated sexual assault. Police officials corroborated that the minor was raped before being murdered.
According to the family, the girl had left home on Thursday evening after a verbal spat with her younger sister. Her mother realised she was missing around 8:30 PM, following which a desperate search ensued. Unable to find her, the family lodged a missing complaint with the Newtown police on Friday.
Police launched an extensive investigation, meticulously scanning CCTV footage within a 10-km radius. “We examined every possible camera feed—from roads, buildings, homes, and even shops. No officer returned home, including Police Commissioner Shri Mukesh. Through call dumps and electronic tracking, we established a timeline tracing the girl’s movements. She was first spotted on CCTV near Jagatpur Road, approximately two kilometres from her house. By following sequential footage, we identified an e-rickshaw that picked her up. The crucial breakthrough came when we found footage of the same e-rickshaw later—without the girl—confirming her last known location,” a senior police officer stated.
The Suspect’s Movements
Investigators believe the girl may have been heading to her uncle’s house following the family dispute but lost her way. CCTV footage shows her seemingly seeking directions before encountering the accused. Police sources suggest that Soumitra Roy offered to take her home but picked up and dropped off other passengers along the way before driving the minor to a secluded area where he allegedly committed the crime.
Legal Implications and Public Outrage
Legal experts emphasized the role of electronic evidence in cracking such cases. Advocate Bivas Chatterjee, Special Public Prosecutor, noted, “Electronic evidence has been pivotal in securing convictions in past rape and murder cases such as Jaynagar, Jangipur, and Gurap. The swift collection and analysis of digital proof play a crucial role in ensuring justice. It is deeply disturbing that such crimes continue to occur across India.”
Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Shri Mukesh had assured the family that the perpetrator would be caught within 72 hours, claimed the family. The accused within 36 hours of the complaint being lodged. The victim’s grieving family and local residents are demanding the strictest punishment, including capital punishment, for the accused at the earliest.
