Fight for control of illegal bldgs, trade leads to Bowbazar clash, vandalism
Times of India | 20 February 2024
KOLKATA: Alleged extortion demands from local businesses and illegal constructions sparked a clash on Nabin Chand Boral Street in Bowbazar’s ward 48, which led to vandalism of cars and homes and left at least four persons, including two women, injured on Sunday night. Around 10.30pm, dozens of men from a neighbouring ward barged into the lane, threw glass bottles and bricks at houses, vandalized cars and assaulted those who were on the road.The mayhem reportedly continued for about 30 minutes.
Locals alleged that cops dragged their feet and wasted time instead of intervening.
Though a sizeable number of cops have been posted at the spot, the tension continued till Monday morning.
The locals claimed that they had been threatened last November, too, but this was the first time that there was an organized attack on them.
Residents have blamed local syndicates owing allegiance to the ruling party for the incident. Besides injuries, the loss of property has also been significant. At least one car and three two-wheelers were completely damaged, apart from several windows of residential units. CCTV cameras in the area were also damaged.
Purnima Das, a local, said, “The accused broke a car window. They hit me with a cycle pump and then threw stones at my bedroom, hurting my child. They also kicked my pet, which tried to save me.”
The cops said they were investigating. But they denied allegations of late reaction. “We are ascertaining the exact cause of the incident,” an officer said.
Local councillor Biswarup Dey refused to see politics in it. “Premchand Boral Street and Nabin Chand Boral Street have a chequered history, due to their location and because of constant fights over area control. Neither me nor the MLA is involved,” Dey said.
Ratan Tiwari, a Trinamool worker, said, “It is all about a few people with connections trying to control all construction, trade and cultural activities in the area.” Rupesh Das, a follower of the area MP and MLA, said party factionalism led to the incident.
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