Gang assaults Burrabazar trader at office, loots lakhs
Times of India | 6 March 2025
Kolkata: A trader was assaulted and robbed of lakhs inside his office in Burrabazar.
The attack took place on Monday evening at Synagogue Street in central Kolkata, where three men allegedly robbed the trader at his fourth-floor share trading and finance office. This follows a similar incident reported earlier from Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road near Park Street in Jan.
According to the complaint filed at Burrabazar police station, the perpetrators entered the office under the pretext of securing a job and after completing some business, they locked the door and overpowered the trader. While local reports suggested the victim was held at gunpoint, police officials have denied the use of any weapons.
"The suspects tied up the trader and fled with the cash," said a police officer. "We are reviewing CCTV footage from the building and surrounding the area for leads. The possibility of people known to the victim cannot be ruled out," said the officer, adding that the loss is estimated to be anywhere between Rs 13.5 lakh and Rs 15 lakh. "We are investigating all angles," said joint CP (crime & traffic) Rupesh kumar.
Security camera footage reviewed by officers from Burrabazar police station and Lalbazar's detective department shows three young men entering the building — two wearing white caps and one in a red cap. The footage captures one suspect entering first, followed by the other two. Approximately 10 minutes later, all three were seen exiting the building carrying bags.
The building, which houses multiple offices, was largely empty at the time of the incident. Police sources indicate they are exploring the possibility of the perpetrators being from a Bihar-based gang and are examining footage to determine if they escaped towards Howrah station.
The incident has raised concerns about security in Kolkata's business district. Several meetings have been held to bolster security in the area after local business owners expressed worry about the increasing frequency of such incidents. "This is deeply concerning for all of us who operate businesses here," said a neighbouring shop owner. "We need increased police patrolling, especially during evening hours since cash gets counted here," said Lalit Agarwal, another trader.
Stay updated with breaking news, weather updates, bank holidays and upcoming public holidays in march.