East Burdwan police held a news conference on Friday to clarify that the 22-year-old tribal woman, whose body was found on Thursday with her throat slit, had not been raped.
The police made this hurried clarification in response to claims circulating on social media that the young woman had been raped and murdered.
“Many people on social media started claiming that the woman was raped and murdered. We received the post-mortem report today, which showed no indication that the woman was sexually assaulted. We have identified the suspect, who is currently absconding,” said East Burdwan police superintendent Amandeep.
A police source stated that the clarification was necessary in light of the recent alleged rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, which became a national issue and sparked midnight protests by thousands of women across the state.
According to the police, the victim left her house on Wednesday evening, responding to a phone call and was later found dead in a field near her home by family members. The police discovered her body with her throat slit by a sharp weapon.
Since the incident occurred shortly after the RG Kar incident, several political parties, including the BJP and the CPM, protested against crimes against women, particularly focusing on the case of the poor tribal girl. Tribal organisations staged protests, and the CPM held rallies in Burdwan town on Friday afternoon.
“Police are now hurriedly clarifying that this was not a rape case, likely due to the fallout from the R.G. Kar incident. Normally, the authorities would remain silent, treating such a brutal murder as a minor law-and-order issue. We are protesting against crimes against women. This woman may not have been raped, but the police had to act quickly because she was murdered so brutally,” said CPM district secretariat member Apurba Chatterjee, who also claimed that another woman was raped a week ago.
However, the SP said that the police had already identified the suspect and would apprehend him soon.
“We are also requesting those spreading false information about the incident on social media to refrain from such acts. Otherwise, we will take legal action,” added the police chief.