WEST BENGAL PROTESTS CONTINUE AFTER CHILD'S KILLING

Authorities in India's West Bengal state are trying to contain public unrest after the killing of a child near Kolkata triggered protests, arrests and political confrontation. The Guardian reported that the case has led to demonstrations, clashes and restrictions on public gatherings in Baruipur, south of Kolkata.

The Guardian reported that public anger intensified after a man was wrongly suspected in the case and killed by a crowd before police later said he was innocent. Authorities have since made arrests connected to the unrest and have deployed paramilitary forces in sensitive areas.

The case also drew scrutiny after police fatally shot one of the accused during what officers described as an attempted escape. The West Bengal government has ordered a Criminal Investigation Department probe into the shooting, and a parallel judicial inquiry has also been launched, according to the Economic Times.

The Economic Times reported that police arrested 40 people over violence linked to the case, including alleged involvement in mob violence, attacks on police personnel and wider public disorder. The arrests are part of a broader law-and-order response as authorities try to prevent further unrest.

The Times of India reported that CID investigators questioned the investigating officer connected to the police shooting and took him to the scene as part of the inquiry. That step indicates the state investigation is examining the official account and whether proper procedure was followed.

The case has also become politically charged. The Guardian reported that opposition parties accused the state government of failing to protect women and children, while state officials have warned against communal escalation and further street violence.

The immediate questions are whether the CID and judicial inquiries confirm the police account of the shooting, whether prosecutors can proceed against the remaining accused, and whether authorities can prevent further public disorder. Officials are expected to continue releasing updates as investigations and court proceedings move forward.

Fact-check date: 11 July 2026
Article type: News
Sources: The Guardian, Economic Times, Times of India