Third attack in 3 months: Hawkers shut shop to protest against assault
Times of India | 18 February 2025
12 Kolkata: In the New Market area, more than 150 hawkers on Humayun Place suspended their business operations on Monday, protesting against a violent assault on two stall owners by two extortionists who previously worked as hawkers. The hawkers' union declared they would continue their strike until the primary suspects are apprehended.
"Around 160 stalls were shut on Monday following the Saturday night attack on two stall owners — Ramanuj Kumar Singh and Manu Singh — near SSKM Hospital while they were on their way home. Ramanuj suffered five deep gashes on his head, torso, and leg while Manu received three cuts. This was engineered by Rehan Khan and Saif Ali Khan as Ramanuj and Manu refused to cough up Rs 3 lakh that they demanded as protection money. This is the third attack in three months. We will not relent till the duo are arrested," said Lindsay Street Hawker Union general secretary Sunny Shaw, who was at Bhowanipore police station to pursue the case.
The business closure resulted in financial losses between Rs 1.6 lakh-Rs 2 lakh on Monday. A hawker named Sahil, who participated in the shutdown, stated their determination to continue despite income loss, citing concerns for their safety.
Police officials reported that Rehan and Saif were currently unavailable and unreachable on their mobile phones, though search efforts continued. They face attempted murder charges. Two individuals, Javed (31) and Tabrez (20), were apprehended on Sunday.
According to MMiC Debasis Kumar, who is also the co-chairman of the Town Vending Committee, the civic body won't spare anyone found guilty of spreading a scare in the New Market hawking zone. "We have already taken up the matter of frequent clashes with cops and asked them to take action against the errant hawkers," said Kumar.
The hawkers expressed outrage over the attack on Ramanuj and Manu, noting it was the third such incident in four months. On Jan 9, dupatta vendors Md Rafique and Miraz were injured near Esplanade bus stand. Previously, on Nov 26, Chintu alias Nadeem, a sunglasses vendor near Lighthouse, was attacked near Tangra. The vendors accused the duo of associating with criminals for extortion. They questioned the sudden wealth of one former hawker who now owns an expensive flat and vehicle.
Shopkeepers at Shreeram Arcade recalled a June incident where the accused duo instigated an attack on a fellow merchant. This led to protests, which caused traffic disruption on SN Banerjee Road for over two hours, with traders demanding action. Although Rehan was arrested, he secured bail shortly after.