Sk Riyajul, the street vendor who was forced to leave Kolkata over a month ago following violent assaults for selling "non-veg" puffs during a mass Gita recitation event at the Maidan, has made a desperate return to the city to resume his livelihood. Driven by financial necessity, Riyajul has come back to the metropolis where he had earned his living for two decades, but his routine now carries a significant change—he meticulously avoids the Maidan area, the site of his traumatic experience on December 7.
A Fearful Return to Familiar Grounds
Riyajul follows his old pattern of stepping out each morning with a box full of puffs, yet with one crucial exception: he steers clear of the Maidan entirely. The memory of being beaten up and having his snacks thrown away there has left him too scared to venture near that location. Instead of the greens and adjoining pockets of the Maidan, his voice urging customers to buy his "hot patties"—chicken and vegetable varieties—now echoes through the narrow lanes of Garden Reach neighborhoods.
New Territories for an Old Trade
His sales route now includes areas such as Kamal Talkies, Ramnagar, Kacchi Sadak, Bichali Ghat, and Akra Fatak. This shift represents a stark contrast to his previous operations, where business was notably more profitable. In Garden Reach, he sells chicken puffs for Rs 30 per piece, whereas in the Maidan, prices ranged between Rs 40 and Rs 50 each. The financial impact is palpable, but Riyajul prioritizes his peace of mind over potential earnings.
Financial Compulsions Behind the Comeback
After being out of work for more than five weeks since departing the city on December 11—shattered and depressed—Riyajul returned last Saturday out of sheer compulsion. As the sole breadwinner for his family of four, he faces pressing financial obligations. He took a substantial loan last year to renovate his nearly century-old home, requiring an EMI payment of Rs 6,000, alongside daily living expenses. "Without work, how will I survive and support my family?" he questioned, highlighting the dire circumstances that compelled his return.
Family Concerns and Warnings
Riyajul's 86-year-old father, Zainal Abedin, who himself was a patty and pastry seller in Kolkata during the 1980s, had warned his son against returning to the Maidan area. Riyajul has heeded this advice, keeping his father's word by avoiding that zone. His younger son, Monirulla, aged 20 and currently interning as a goldsmith in Hyderabad since November, expressed worry over the situation. "I told abba not to hawk patties any more, but I understand his compulsions," Monirulla stated, reflecting the family's concern for Riyajul's safety and well-being.
Coping with Reduced Income and Physical Strain
Riyajul's daily sales have significantly decreased since relocating his business, but he values his mental peace, choosing to stay away from the Maidan at least for now. His workday involves walking 15-20 kilometers daily while carrying a 30kg load, with afternoons spent stationed near the Fancy Market in Kidderpore. The physical toll is compounded by the emotional and financial strains he endures.
Political and Legal Responses
The attack on Riyajul and another vendor, Md Salauddin, drew condemnation from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In the aftermath, three individuals—Soumik Golder, Tarun Bhattacharya, and Swarnandu Chakraborty—were arrested for assaulting the vendors. All three are currently out on bail, as the legal proceedings continue. This incident has sparked discussions about vendor safety and communal harmony in public spaces.
Riyajul's story underscores the challenges faced by street vendors in urban India, balancing economic survival with personal safety. His return to Kolkata, albeit in a different locale, symbolizes resilience in the face of adversity, driven by the unwavering need to provide for his family amidst trying circumstances.
