Bengal rape-murder suspect shot dead after seizing police weapon

A rape and murder accused was shot dead by police in West Bengal's Gaighata area during a crime scene reconstruction, authorities said. The suspect allegedly seized a firearm from a police officer and discharged it before being fatally shot in the ensuing confrontation.

The incident occurred as police were conducting a reconstruction of the crime scene as part of their investigation into the case. During the procedure, the accused managed to overpower an officer and grab his weapon, according to police accounts. The suspect then fired at officers, prompting police to return fire in self-defense.

The Gaighata encounter represents the second instance in West Bengal over the past three months in which a rape and murder accused has been killed in police firing during crime scene reconstruction operations. Such encounters have raised scrutiny over police procedures and use of force during investigative activities.

The precise circumstances surrounding how the suspect obtained the weapon and the sequence of events leading to the firing remain under investigation. Police have registered the incident and are examining all aspects of the encounter.