Kolkata Police Arrest 10 After Violent Outbreak Involving Bombs and Gunfire
In a significant crackdown following a violent incident in Kolkata, police have arrested ten individuals in connection with a series of disturbances that occurred on Sunday evening. The arrests came after reports of bombs being hurled, bullets fired, and extensive vandalism targeting both police vehicles and private property along Panchanantala Road at Kankulia.
Details of the Arrests and Police Response
The arrested individuals, whose ages range from 18 to 38 years, include five residents from the Rabindra Sarobar Police Station area and others from the Kasba Police Station area, according to Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime & Traffic) Rupesh Kumar. Following the incident, authorities filed three First Information Reports (FIRs), including one suo motu case specifically addressing the vandalism of police vehicles.
Police initiated a comprehensive crackdown post-midnight, conducting multiple raids across various neighborhoods including Kasba, Dhakuria, Picnic Garden, Tiljala, Topsia, and Pragati Maidan. On Monday, a substantial police presence was maintained at the scene, with officers from the Rabindra Sarobar police, detective department, and armed battalions deployed to secure the area.
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Kolkata Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar emphasized that no one involved in the incident would be spared, confirming the arrests and ongoing police operations including continued raids and patrolling throughout the night. Investigators have preserved footage from at least twenty CCTV cameras in the vicinity, which are currently being analyzed for leads and evidence.
According to local residents, the trouble began around 8:30 PM on Sunday when approximately 150 locals gathered at Uchchhepota off Basanti Highway. The location was reportedly sponsored by local promoter Bapi Haldar, who is widely believed to be the target of the Sona Pappu gang. Witnesses described how more than 100 miscreants, with their faces covered, stormed the area while children were playing outside and picnickers were still present.
Nature of the Violence and Aftermath
The violent episode involved multiple dangerous elements:
- Reports of gunfire and bomb-throwing approximately 10 meters from Haldar's office
- Attacks carried out using sharp weapons
- Extensive vandalism targeting police vehicles and local residents' motorcycles
- Brickbatting throughout the affected area
Police recovered bullet shells and bomb materials from the scene, indicating the severity of the weapons used during the attack. At least two individuals sustained injuries during the violent outbreak, though specific details about their condition remain under investigation.
The incident has raised concerns about public safety and law enforcement response in the area, with authorities maintaining heightened vigilance as the investigation progresses to identify all individuals involved in the coordinated violence.
