Protests over abuse and murder of young girl in India: CPI(M) leader detained on suspicion of inciting attack on police

Following the protests that erupted after the abuse and murder of a young girl in Baruipur, located in India's West Bengal state, CPI(M) leader Lahek Ali was taken into custody, accused of inciting attacks and violent incidents against the police.

A massive wave of anger spread across the region following the murder incident on 5 July; demonstrators engaged in road closures, vandalism of public property, and attacks on police officers. Law enforcement claims that Ali was present in the area during these incidents and encouraged the chaos. A total of 35 people have been arrested so far in connection with the incident.

This detention decision led to a political crisis between the ruling party and the opposition. While CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty argued that the arrest was an act of political revenge and that Ali arrived in the area after the incidents had calmed down, police spokespersons described the decision as an evidence-based legal procedure.