A shocking incident of an airgun shooting left a 35-year-old man injured in the Behala area of Kolkata on Sunday night. The victim, identified as Abhishek Roy, was hit by a pellet while having tea at a roadside stall.
Details of the Behala Airgun Shooting
The incident occurred around 10:15 pm at the crossing of Banamali Ghosal Lane and James Long Sarani. Roy, a resident of SN Roy Road under the New Alipore Police Station jurisdiction, was sipping tea when he suddenly sustained a pellet injury in his stomach. Initially, the source of the shot was a mystery, causing panic and confusion at the scene.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Following Roy's statement, which pointed towards an opposite building at 19, Banamali Ghosal Lane, police launched an immediate probe. Officers visited a suspected third-floor flat in the building. Their search led to the seizure of an airgun, believed to be the weapon used in the shooting.
Deputy Commissioner (southwest-Behala) Rahul De confirmed that a 17-year-old minor has been detained in connection with the case. The teenager's father is also being questioned by the authorities. The police have classified the minor as "in conflict with law."
Victim's Condition and Unclear Motive
After the shooting, Abhishek Roy was first rushed to Vidyasagar Hospital for initial treatment. He was later admitted to the SSKM Hospital for further care. On Monday, he underwent a successful surgery to remove the pellet from his abdomen, as confirmed by a local resident, Asim Dutta.
The motive behind the firing remains unclear. Investigators are examining several critical angles:
- Whether the shooting was intentional or an accidental discharge.
- The line of sight from the third-floor flat to the crossing where Roy was standing.
- The circumstances that led to the airgun being fired.
Police are recording statements from the injured man and witnesses from the area. Notably, Roy's family has stated that he had no prior acquaintance or enmity with the detained minor, deepening the mystery of the incident.
