Man held for alleged molestation and firearm threat in Beleghata
Times of India | 30 March 2025
123 Kolkata: A young woman in Beleghata was allegedly followed without consent, accosted, verbally abused, and finally molested by a 44-year-old man who used a firearm to threaten her when she tried to protest.
Even as the shocked neighbourhood united to get the accused arrested, cops swung into action and nabbed the severely inebriated criminal, Samarjit Dutta alias Tubai, within the next hour. He was arrested at his Entally residence. The firearm used to threaten the victim was also seized from him. He was charged under different sections of molestation, threat, and hurt, along with sections from the Arms Act. "We took the case seriously as brandishing firearms for such crimes against women is not common in Kolkata," said an officer at Lalbazar.
The incident occurred around 2 pm on Friday when the victim was walking along Barwaritala Road. "The FIR named accused Samarjit wrongfully restrained the complainant and used criminal force upon her, passed sexually coloured remarks with intent to outrage her modesty, and also threatened her by showing a firearm," said Gaurav Lal, DC (ESD).
The accused was booked under multiple sections of the BNS, including Section 126(2), which deals with wrongful restraint and use of criminal force, and Section 115(2), pertaining to sexual harassment and making sexually coloured remarks. Sections 74 and 79 related to criminal intimidation and threatening with deadly weapons.
Police sources said the accused was found in possession of a country-made six-chamber revolver and live ammunition when arrested at his South Sealdah Road residence. The firearm was seized, and additional charges under Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act were pressed against him.
The accused was produced before the Metropolitan Magistrate Court on Saturday and taken into police custody. Police officials said they are investigating if the accused has any prior criminal record or if similar complaints were filed against him in the past.
Local residents expressed concern over the incident, with many demanding stricter patrolling in the area and action against illegal arms. A senior police officer assured that regular patrols would be intensified, especially during afternoon hours when foot traffic is relatively lower. Police have urged residents to immediately report any suspicious activities and have provided emergency contact numbers for a quick response.
The investigation is currently ongoing, with officers collecting CCTV footage from nearby establishments and recording statements of potential witnesses. The victim's statement was recorded under relevant sections of the law, and medical examination protocols were followed as per standard procedure. MSID:: 119707734 413 |
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