Baruipur rape-murder: CPI(M) leader, held for violence, says police action 'politically motivated'
A CPI(M) leader has been arrested in West Bengal following violent protests over the rape and murder of a minor, with the party claiming the arrest is politically motivated. Police allege the leader instigated the violence, while opposition leaders argue the state is targeting protesters instead of criminals.
Why it matters
The incident highlights political tensions and concerns regarding law enforcement accountability in the wake of high-profile crimes.
CPI(M) leader Lahek Ali, who was arrested a day ago in connection with the violence that broke out during the protest over the rape and murder of a girl in West Bengal’s Baruipur town, on Monday (July 13, 2026), said the police action was “politically motivated”.
The police claimed that Mr. Ali instigated the demonstrators who had lynched a man and vandalised police vehicles, torched tyres and blocked roads, disrupting normal life in the area after the minor’s body was recovered from a pond in Surjyapur on July 5.
“My arrest is politically motivated, and I was not involved in the violence,” Mr. Ali said while he was taken to the Baruipur court.
The accused was seen wearing a helmet when he was taken to the court.
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