New CCTV footage has emerged in the rape and murder case of a 12-year-old girl in West Bengal’s Uttar Dinajpur district, showing the accused riding a bicycle with the child shortly before she went missing. The footage has added an important development to the investigation into the case, which has triggered widespread outrage.
CCTV Footage Reveals Last Movements
The footage, reportedly shows the accused, identified as Dilip Roy, wearing a pink shirt and black trousers while riding a bicycle. The 12-year-old girl can be seen sitting behind him.
According to investigators, Roy allegedly took the girl towards a secluded area near the Kulik River on the pretext of showing her the river. Police allege that he sexually assaulted and murdered her.
The accused was reportedly known to the child, who referred to him as ‘Jethu’. During the family’s search for the missing girl, he allegedly took Rs 300 from her father and promised to help locate her.
Body Recovered Near Kulik River
The girl went missing on November 3 after leaving home on a bicycle. Her body was recovered two days later from a forest area near the Kulik River. The family subsequently filed a complaint alleging rape and murder.
Accused Killed in Police Encounter
After a four-day search, police traced Roy to the Parapukur area near the West Bengal-Bihar border. Officials said he allegedly opened fire at the police team during the operation, prompting retaliatory firing.
He sustained injuries and was taken to Raiganj Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari defended the police action, saying officers were responding in self-defence after coming under attack.
The incident has also intensified debate over women’s and children’s safety and the use of police encounters in the state. The CCTV footage is now an important part of the developments surrounding the case.