Kolkata: A North Dum Dum neighbourhood near the Belgharia Expressway was hit by a series of gunshots early Monday during a suspected clash between two rival gangs that led to the death of alleged gangster, Raja Dutta.
Police said Dutta’s blood-soaked body was found near Khalisakota in Birati. He had suffered multiple bullet injuries. Five have been detained..
Sources said Dutta, who hails from Birati, was found lying near a garage . “Two of his associates were also injured and are undergoing treatment. Dutta was taken to a local hospital before being shifted to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Doctors declared him dead,” a senior officer of the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate said.
Investigators suspect that the killing was due to a gang rivalry. Police believe Dutta was riding a motorcycle along the Belgharia Expressway around daybreak when he came face-to-face with members of a rival gang. “The exact reason behind the confrontation is yet to be established,” the officer added.
Police said Dutta was carrying a firearm, which the attackers allegedly snatched before shooting him from close range. “Preliminary we suspect that the assailants were already waiting in the Khalisakota area and were known to Dutta. He had reportedly arrived there with his two associates before the attack took place,” an investigating officer said.
Dum Dum Police rushed to the spot after receiving information about the firing and took the injured to hospital. Police said Dutta had a long criminal record and was known as a notorious gangster. Investigators are probing whether the murder was linked to an old rivalry and are examining CCTV footage from the area to identify the attackers and map their escape route.
Senior officers of the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate, including Deputy Commissioner (South) Shamir Ahmed, visited the crime scene on Monday morning.
Local resident Abhijit Choudhury alleged that criminal elements had been active in the area for a long time. “There was a political party office here where some anti-social elements used to stay. We heard that the office was vandalised during the night, though we do not know who was behind it The police have cordoned off the area and the investigation is underway,” he said.