A Kolkata court handed down the death sentence on Friday to Mostakin Sardar, who was convicted for the rape and murder of a nine-year-old girl in Jaynagar, West Bengal, in October 2024. The accused was found guilty under Sections 103 (murder), 65 (rape), and 66 (punishment for causing death) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as well as provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO)

The conviction followed a swift investigation that lasted only two months, making this case a rare instance in West Bengal’s judicial history. The victim’s family had strongly advocated for capital punishment, and the fast-track court in Baruipur granted the maximum punishment.

After the verdict, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee applauded the police and prosecution for securing justice for the victim, calling the rapid conviction and capital punishment in just over two months a historic achievement for the state. The chief Mininster shared the news on her X handle

The crime took place on October 4 when Sardar assaulted and murdered the young girl as she was returning home from her tuition classes. Her body was discovered the next morning, leading to Sardar's arrest. The incident triggered widespread protests in the area, including the burning of vehicles, vandalism of a police outpost, and road blockades. Public anger was further fueled by the proximity of this case to the RG Kar rape and murder case.

The victim's father had previously called for the "rarest of rare punishments," asserting that only the death penalty could bring peace to his daughter's soul. The police promptly formed a Special Investigative Team (SIT), and a chargesheet was filed within 30 days. Special Public Prosecutor Bibhas Chakraborty emphasized the historic nature of the case, citing strong scientific evidence, including over 45 injuries on the victim’s body. The trial saw 36 witnesses testify, culminating in the conviction of Sardar.