A major political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after Prabhas Mondal, a key accused in the rape and murder of a minor Muslim girl in Baruipur, was killed in a police encounter. Opposition parties have denounced the incident as an extrajudicial killing, calling it an example of the 'Uttar Pradesh model'. Police stated that Mondal tried to snatch a revolver during a crime scene reconstruction late Tuesday night and fired at officers, prompting retaliatory fire that fatally injured him. A judicial inquiry has been ordered, and two police officers have been summoned by the superintendent of police.

Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury, Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra, and CPM leader Bikash Bhattacharya sharply criticized the encounter, questioning the police version and demanding adherence to judicial process. Human rights groups have also long warned that such killings undermine the rule of law. In contrast, BJP leaders defended the police, saying officers acted in self-defense and that the action reflected the government’s zero-tolerance stance on crime.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has sought a detailed report within 72 hours, while the incident continues to fuel debate over law enforcement methods and human rights in the state.