Howrah Police Arrest Three Aides in Gang War Murder Case, Hunt for Prime Accused
In a significant development following Wednesday morning's violent shooting in Pilkhana, Howrah City Police on Thursday apprehended three key aides of Harun Khan, the prime suspect in the murder of Mohammad Shafiq. The arrests shed light on a brutal gang war over territory and extortion rackets in north Howrah that has escalated into deadly violence.
Arrests Made in Kolkata Hideout
The three individuals—identified as Mohd Bilal, Dildar Hossain, and Mohd Wakil—were captured from a concealed hideout in the Jorasanko area of Kolkata. However, Harun Khan and his close associate Rafaqat, also known as Rohit Hossain, managed to evade capture by fleeing the location just before police conducted the raid. According to Commissioner of Police Akash Megharia, the arrested trio played direct roles in the murder of Shafiq and actively assisted Harun and Rohit in their escape from the scene.
"We have registered multiple cases against them, including charges of murder, destruction of evidence, harboring criminals, and violations under the Arms Act," stated CP Megharia. "Interrogation of the arrested individuals is ongoing, and we are utilizing the information obtained to intensify our search operations for Harun and Rohit, who remain at large."
Details of the Gang Rivalry and Murder
Police sources revealed that the killing was the culmination of a long-standing and fierce rivalry between two criminal factions operating in north Howrah. Mohammad Shafiq was allegedly affiliated with the Tipu Sultan gang, while Harun Khan was connected to Akash Singh's gang, which has been accused of numerous illegal activities including forcible land occupation, systematic extortion, and multiple shootings. Rohit Hossain, originally from Bihar, is suspected of being the primary weapons supplier for Harun's group.
Tensions between the gangs reached a boiling point after Shafiq reportedly began procuring firearms from an alternative arms dealer, threatening Harun's dominance. In a dramatic turn of events, Shafiq allegedly attempted to assassinate Harun on Tuesday night by launching an attack on his apartment. Harun narrowly escaped after receiving a timely tip-off about the impending assault.
The following day, Harun and Rohit orchestrated a retaliatory ambush near Shafiq's residence at Bhoggu crossing in Pilkhana Second Lane. According to police accounts, Rohit approached Shafiq from behind and fired a fatal shot into his head at point-blank range. Harun then proceeded to discharge multiple rounds into Shafiq's chest and face, ensuring his death.
Post-Murder Activities and Community Unrest
Immediately after committing the murder, Harun and Rohit sought refuge at the Jorasanko hideout. There, they engaged in celebratory activities with sex workers, acquired new mobile phones and SIM cards to avoid detection, and prepared for their escape. With assistance from Bilal, Hossain, and Wakil, they departed in an SUV shortly before police arrived at the location.
The violent incident triggered widespread unrest in the community. Protesters blocked GT Road, and several motorcycles were set ablaze outside Harun's apartment, his furniture stores, and his NGO office. During a protest march, Harun's brother was assaulted and subsequently hospitalized for injuries. All three accused individuals have prior criminal records at Golabari Police Station, with charges including shooting incidents, arms supply, extortion, and attempted murder.
Authorities are now investigating the possibility that Harun and Rohit may attempt to flee the country, with Afghanistan being a potential destination, to evade justice. The case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in curbing organized crime and gang violence in the region.
