26 August, Tuesday: A tragic crime has shaken Krishnanagar town in Nadia district of West Bengal, where 19-year-old Class 12 student Ishita Mallik, who was studying for the NEET medical exam, was killed by two shooters inside her house on Monday afternoon.
Details of the incident as per police and relatives
In a report by Hindustan Times, police identified the prime suspect as 23 year old Debraj Singh, who is the victim's ex-boyfriend and a former friend. A police officer reported to the publication that Mallik was shot in the head in her first-floor bedroom while she was home alone. "Her family has claimed that her ex-boyfriend, Debraj Singh, had committed the crime and left in front of them," the officer added.
HT also reported that police were informed by Mallik's family that Singh came into their house when her father was working and her mother had gone to take her younger brother to school. Neighbors also informed officers that they heard a shot and later spotted a man, reportedly Singh, running with a pistol in hand. The body of the victim has been taken for post-mortem.
Wider outcry and community mourning
Mallik had secured admission to Victoria College in 2023 but delayed enrollment to prepare for medical college. The promising student’s death has left her community devastated.
As reported by Hindustan Times, Trinamool Congress general secretary Kunal Ghosh, termed it a "tragic, non-political crime" and asked the police to act strongly. Whereas, The Logical Indian emphasized that the case highlights the need for more active support systems within schools and communities, such as mental health support and conflict resolution education, to avoid such horrors and tragedies.
With Debraj held is police custody, Ishita's death is being mourned as a personal tragedy and a heartbreaking reminder of the risks of violence in relationship.
