The horrific rape and murder of a young girl in eastern India has sparked widespread outrage, highlighting the country's problems not only regarding sexual violence but also its efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.

The girl's body was recovered from a pond in the town of Baruipur in West Bengal state, and a video of the recovery spread quickly online and in the media, further fueling public anger.

According to authorities, a man believed to be the perpetrator was beaten to death by a mob, but later the Chief Minister of West Bengal state told journalists that the man was innocent.

Meanwhile, state-run News on Air reported that the main suspect in the case was killed in an exchange of fire while in police custody early Wednesday.

India has long struggled to address high rates of violence against women, with numerous rape cases drawing global attention. Activists say the problem lies in a deeper set of structural issues that are difficult to change.