Prahlad Das, 23, was escorted to the Gaighata crime‑reconstruction site after his arrest over the rape‑murder of a 17‑year‑old in North 24 Parganas. While the officers were conducting the reconstruction, Das allegedly snatched a service revolver from the police escort and opened fire at the officers. The gunmen returned fire in self‑defence, and Das was hit by multiple rounds.
Das was rushed to Chandpara Rural Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. The body has been sent for post‑mortem. No police personnel were injured in the exchange.
This is the second encounter involving a rape‑murder suspect in West Bengal in the last three months. In July, Pravas Mondal, a key accused in the 11‑year‑old girl’s murder in South 24 Parganas, was killed after snatching a revolver and firing at officers during a reconstruction exercise.
Victim’s mother, Kanika Biswas, said she had been informed that Das had died after firing at police, calling it a "good thing." The father echoed the sentiment, adding that justice had been served.
West Bengal Panchayat Minister Dilip Ghosh defended the encounter, stating that those who defy the law must face consequences and that police action was necessary to restore public confidence. He said, "Anyone who breaks the law will face the same consequences."
The police will probe how Das managed to snatch the revolver and will file the post‑mortem report. The case will be forwarded to the prosecuting authority for further action.