Bombs, gunshots shatter peace in Kasba neighbourhood turf battle
Times of India | 11 June 2024
Kolkata: Bombs were hurled and bullets flew in a quiet Indu Park in Kasba around 9.45pm on Sunday as around 30 armed men went on the rampage in a “battle” between two groups trying to establish dominance over the area. A second round of bomb attack took place around 11 pm even as cops entered the locality.
Four persons were arrested and a minor was detained.Ruma Samaddar (26), a resident of P Majumdar Road, was severely injured as the goons reportedly punched and kicked her. Locals claimed a young man suffered bomb splinter injury. A couple of two-wheelers were damaged.
Police said a local tough, Dinu Yadav, masterminded the attack over “rent collection” from people settled on a five-acre KMDA plot. It was the fallout of a conflict between Yadav and his adversary, Prabhas Adhikary—who owe allegiance to rival Trinamool councillors—over the control of the zone, said police.
“The arrested are Raju Sardar (27), Supradip Dey (20), Kalu Ray (31) and Rabin Dey (44). A minor identified in CCTV images has also been apprehended. Parts of bombs, like partly charred jute strings with splinter, and two empty cartridges were seized,” said additional commissioner Murlidhar Sharma. The accused have been charged for attempt to murder, rioting, possession of illegal firearms and explosives.
“We have been living on this five-acre plot for years. Those associated with the former councillor had told us we needed not pay rent as it was a govt land. But ever since the election results were announced, the group led by Yadav, owing allegiance to councillor Lipika Manna, has been pressuring us to say we voted for BJP,” said Lakhhan Paik, a resident.
Another resident, Lakshmi Banik, said it was around 9.30pm that a group of men arrived on bikes and threatened them. “They went away to return with arms. We were sitting outside a temple, when they started firing. There were children playing on the road but even then, the men hurled five bombs and fired three rounds before riding away.”
Saikat Banerjee, an architect living on P Mukherjee Road, said he was returning home when he heard the bombs. “I thought firecrackers were being burst for the India-Pakistan match but soon realized it was not as I saw police vehicles coming in from the Dhakuria side. The area has been politically volatile with people like Dinu and their syndicates committing crimes since 2017,” he said.
Residents attributed the violence to councillor Manna, saying this was due to Trinamool’s poor performance in the LS elections in this ward. But Manna denied the charge. “Why is this allegation of factionalism being raised? I am a peace-loving person. The clash is between owners and tenants. I have alerted my leadership and I will support the administration in the steps they take. Those responsible will be punished,” she said.
But former councillor Sushanta Ghosh said, “These attacks have been going on since the election results were announced. I had requested the party leadership to look into the matter or a major incident could occur.”