Victoria hawkers assaulted, extorted over union dispute
Times of India | 26 June 2026
Dwaipayan.Ghosh
Kolkata: A dozen men allegedly assaulted and extorted street vendors outside Victoria Memorial’s North Gate in an attempt to force them to join a political hawkers’ union, triggering fear among traders in the high-security tourism zone.
According to a complaint lodged by Pradeep Chowhan of Hastings, the first incident took place around 2 pm on June 7. Prime accused Manoj Singh, along with associates and a mob, allegedly grabbed him by the collar, assaulted and restrained him after he refused to pay money or join the union.
When Chowhan and other vendors protested on June 23, they were allegedly abused, pushed and threatened for skipping a meeting called by Singh’s group.
Hastings police registered a case under multiple sections of Bharatiya Nyay Samhita, including wrongful restraint, hurt, intimidation and extortion. Two persons have been detained.