Kolkata Golpark Clash: 19 Arrests Made as Investigation Intensifies
Kolkata Police has intensified its crackdown on the violent clash that erupted in the Golpark area of south Kolkata, making two additional arrests on Wednesday. This brings the total number of individuals apprehended in connection with the incident to nineteen, though authorities confirm that the primary kingpins behind the confrontation remain at large.
Latest Arrests and Police Operations
During a targeted operation conducted on Tuesday evening, law enforcement officials apprehended two more suspects identified as Rakesh Banik and Rajeev Das, who also goes by the alias Sonu. Both individuals are residents of Panchanantala Road, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Rabindra Sarobar Police Station. Their arrests follow the initial detention of ten people on the same evening the violence broke out.
The police have been conducting thorough searches in the aftermath of the clash, recovering crucial evidence from the scene. This includes empty shell casings and remnants of crude bombs, indicating the severity of the weapons used during the altercation.
Details of the Violent Incident
The clash occurred around 8:30 PM on Sunday when approximately 100 to 150 individuals, with their faces covered, stormed into Panchanantala in Golpark. At the time, a local club was organizing a picnic in the area. According to police sources, the confrontation involved two rival groups who engaged in violent exchanges using firearms, bombs, and sharp weapons.
The incident resulted in significant property damage, with police vehicles and motorcycles belonging to local residents being targeted during stone-pelting. Two individuals sustained injuries during the violent episode, though fortunately, there were no reported fatalities.
Involvement of Local Strongman Sona Pappu
Local residents have consistently pointed fingers at a prominent local strongman, Biswajit Poddar, widely known as Sona Pappu, and his associates. They allege that Pappu and his gang specifically entered the area with the intention of inciting trouble and disrupting the peaceful gathering.
Reports indicate that the clash involved followers of Sona Pappu and supporters of local businessman Bapi Halder. Among those arrested is Babu Shona, who is considered the main orchestrator behind the violence and is known to have close ties with Sona Pappu. Since the incident, there have been growing demands from the community for Pappu's arrest as well.
Facebook Live Defense and Claims of Innocence
In a dramatic turn of events, Sona Pappu took to Facebook Live on Wednesday to vehemently deny any involvement in the Golpark clash. During the social media session, he claimed to have been wrongfully implicated in the incident.
"Since the incident, people have been taking my name, but the reality is I was at home observing a fast. I was engaged in a puja ceremony," Pappu stated during his live broadcast. "My wife conducted a Live session, and everyone saw it. The footage was also captured by my home surveillance cameras."
He further argued that mere association should not imply guilt, drawing a parallel to political figures. "If I have pictures with someone, it doesn't mean I'm involved in everything they do. Suvendu Adhikari has pictures with Rakesh Singh, who is currently in jail. Why isn't Adhikari being arrested in this case? I have a picture with Babu Shona. He's someone from my area who approaches me for assistance on various occasions," Pappu claimed.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The Kolkata Police continues its investigation into the violent clash, focusing on identifying and apprehending the remaining key figures behind the incident. The recovery of weapons and explosive materials suggests a premeditated nature to the violence, raising concerns about organized criminal activity in the area.
Local residents have expressed anxiety and concern following the violent episode, calling for increased police presence and stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The community remains vigilant as authorities work to restore peace and order in the Golpark neighborhood.
The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with organized group violence in urban areas, particularly when influential local figures are allegedly involved. As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge about the motives and planning behind Sunday's violent confrontation.
