Investigation follows the murder of an 11-year-old girl in West Bengal

An 11-year-old girl was kidnapped, raped, and murdered in Baruipur, West Bengal, while attending a friend's birthday party. The victim went missing on the evening of July 4 and her body was discovered in a sack inside a lake on July 5. Authorities reported that the body showed signs of severe abuse, including bruises and bite marks. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, noting that the victim may have been placed in the lake while still alive. This incident has reignited national concern regarding sexual violence in India. Official data for 2024 indicates over 29,500 rape cases and 69,191 cases of sexual abuse against children under the POCSO Act. Human rights groups argue that these figures represent an undercount due to social stigma and pressure on victims. The event highlights ongoing systemic issues including patriarchal social structures and delays in the justice system.