A shocking daylight murder has sent shockwaves through central Kolkata, where a 41-year-old fruit vendor was brutally stabbed to death at his shop on Monday morning. The incident occurred at the busy Rajabazar crossing, with the assailant fleeing the scene as dozens of onlookers watched in horror.
Broad Daylight Attack at Rajabazar
The victim, identified as Mehboob Alam, had just opened his fruit shop around 9:30 am on Monday when the attack took place. According to police reports, a young man approached Alam's shop at the crossing. A brief argument ensued between the two, which escalated rapidly.
Without any clear provocation visible to bystanders, the youth allegedly pulled out a sharp knife and launched a vicious attack on Alam. After stabbing the vendor, the assailant quickly fled the spot, disappearing into the morning crowd. Deputy Commissioner (North) Dipak Sarkar confirmed that CCTV footage from the area captured a man walking towards the victim and later seen running away.
"There was no car involved which was used by the victim. We do have certain leads from the CCTV footage," stated Sarkar, highlighting the crucial evidence gathered by the investigating teams.
Son's Harrowing Discovery and Community Shock
The tragedy struck the Alam family with particular cruelty. Alam's son, Amin Hossain, a Class 11 student, usually accompanied his father daily to help set up the shop. On that fateful day, Amin had returned home for some work after initially setting out with his father.
"I heard about the incident and rushed to the spot," a devastated Amin told reporters. He arrived to find his father grievously injured.
Local trader Md Ershad was among the first to respond to the commotion. "We had just arrived when we heard a noise near the crossing. I rushed to the spot and found Alam lying in a pool of blood. We informed his son Amin Hossain, who came running," Ershad recounted, painting a picture of the scene's chaos and distress.
Alam was rushed to the NRS Medical College and Hospital, but medical professionals pronounced him dead on arrival, succumbing to his stab wounds.
Police Investigation and Search for Motive
Following the murder, Kolkata Police swiftly cordoned off the area around Alam's fruit shop to conduct a meticulous investigation. Officers from the Amherst Street Police Station have taken charge of the case, collecting forensic evidence and recording statements from witnesses and local residents.
A senior police officer involved in the probe indicated that the attack was likely premeditated, stemming from a prior dispute. "We believe some personal enmity or financial dispute, that dates back several days, might have been behind the murder," the officer revealed.
As of now, the precise motive behind the cold-blooded murder remains unclear. No arrests have been made, but police are actively pursuing the leads obtained from the CCTV footage and witness accounts to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.
The incident has raised concerns about public safety in the bustling commercial area, with the police urging anyone with information to come forward to aid the investigation.
