A 37-year-old woman was shot early Sunday morning in Haridevpur of the Tollygunge area in south Kolkata.

The victim, identified as Moushumi Haldar, was shot from behind while she was on her way to the market, eyewitnesses said.

Haldar was immediately rushed to M R Bangur Hospital, but as her condition was critical, she was later shifted to SSKM Hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment. Debam Nandi Chowdhury, the victim’s son, said, “She is stable and conscious.”

The incident occurred around 6:20 am on Kalipada Mukherjee Road. Residents said the area is usually busy at that time, and the incident has caused panic in the neighbourhood.

According to police, the accused came on a bike, wearing black attire, and shot the woman from behind before fleeing the spot. Police detained one Bablu Singh, who is currently being interrogated.

A senior police officer said, “We are investigating the matter. According to preliminary information, there may be a personal grudge which resulted in the shootout.”

The victim’s neighbour, Moumita Guhathakurta, told mediapersons, “Early in the morning, I went out to the balcony and saw a person standing. I did not think much and went inside. After that, suddenly there was a sound like a tyre bursting and a woman screaming, ‘Help me! Help me!’ I rushed out to see my neighbour lying face up. Other neighbours, hearing the commotion, rushed out too.”

Another resident, Anima Debnath, said, “I was working when someone told me that someone was shot. I came and saw this. It is a scary situation. Where is the safety for us?”