Residents of New Garia victim’s housing society to seek CP help, give senior citizens’ list to cops
Times of India | 25 August 2025
Kolkata: Residents of New Garia Cooperative Housing Society called an urgent meeting on Sunday and decided to write to Kolkata Police commissioner for seeking additional protection in the wake of the murder of a 79-year-old woman, Bijaya Das, on its premises. "We have already handed over to police the list of elderly residents living alone in the complex and would expect them to formulate a plan to help us in securing them," said Ambikesh Mahapatra, chairman of the housing society.
The residents decided to tighten the security measures on the housing complex premises a day after the victim's ayah, Ashalata Sardar (36), and her male accomplice, Mohammad Jalal Mir (41), were arrested for the murder and assault on her 83-year-old husband on Saturday.
| Gold Rates Today in Kolkata | Silver Rates Today in KolkataOn Friday, Das was found murdered under the staircase of the couple's two-storeyed home with her hands tied. The husband, Prashanta, was found on the floor beside his bed with his mouth tied. "Out of the 450-odd homes in our complex, we have identified 60 homes where elderly residents live alone. Our immediate focus is to ensure their well-being and create a system to monitor their daily needs," said Mahapatra. The society has decided to expand the role of its existing medical assistance sub-committee. Members will now conduct daily visits to vulnerable households to check on residents' requirements and provide assistance when needed. The management plans to install more CCTV cameras, increase the number of guards, and direct them to patrol areas around elderly residents' homes..
Residents have been instructed to submit verification details of all domestic workers and drivers to the local police station. The society is also encouraging senior citizens to enrol in Kolkata Police's ‘Pronam' project, which addresses the safety, health, legal, and welfare needs of the elderly.
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