Rape-murder suspect shot dead by Bengal police in armed confrontation

A suspect identified as Prahlad Das, who was accused of sexually assaulting and killing a minor, was shot dead by West Bengal police during an armed confrontation on Thursday. According to police accounts, Das seized a firearm from one of the officers and discharged it, injuring two members of the police team in the process. The officers returned fire in what they described as self-defence, resulting in Das's death at the scene. The incident occurred as police were attempting to apprehend Das in connection with the rape and murder case. The two injured officers were reported to have received medical attention for their wounds. An official investigation into the circumstances of the shooting is understood to be underway, as is customary in cases involving the use of lethal force by law enforcement. The case has drawn attention to ongoing concerns about police encounters in the state and procedural safeguards during criminal apprehensions.