How Did an Autorickshaw Driver and His Associates Attack a Customs Officer in Bengal?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Incident in Kolkata: Customs officer attacked post-accident.
- Mob Involvement: Over 55 individuals participated in the assault.
- Delayed Police Response: Officer received minimal support despite calling for help.
- Ongoing Investigation: Police are actively pursuing additional suspects.
- Public Safety Concerns: Incident highlights issues of mob violence in the region.
Kolkata, Oct 26 (NationPress) In a disturbing event, a Customs officer was assaulted in West Bengal by an autorickshaw driver and his accomplices after a minor traffic incident, as reported by the police on Sunday.
It has come to light that the auto driver, accompanied by 55 individuals, invaded the residence of the Customs officer and physically assaulted him. This incident occurred in Sonarpur, located in the South 24 Parganas district on Saturday.
The police have initiated a case against the suspects under appropriate legal provisions, with only one individual apprehended so far.
As per the police report, Customs officer Pradeep Kumar was driving his car when it collided with an autorickshaw.
Following this, an argument ensued. However, the auto driver pursued the Customs officer to his home to confront him.
Later that night, the accused entered the officer's home with a group of 55 people, breaking down the gate to gain access.
They assaulted the officer and inflicted injuries to his head. The wounded officer stated that his pleas for police assistance went unanswered.
Despite making multiple calls to report the violent assault, he was told the police were on their way. CCTV footage has emerged showing the assailants entering the house and attacking the officer.
The injured officer recounted: “They entered the house and threatened my wife. Then they assaulted me. I sustained stitches on my head. I repeatedly called the police, but they only kept assuring me they were coming. They broke down the collapsible gate and invaded our home. It took them 40 minutes to arrive.”
A senior official from the South 24 Parganas police stated: “A formal complaint has been lodged. One suspect has been arrested, and we are actively searching for the others involved. An investigation is currently in progress.”
On Sunday, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, visited the injured officer.
After their meeting, the BJP leader remarked: “This is an act of mob violence. They intended to harm the entire family. Around 200 individuals were gathered outside, with 55 entering the residence. What is happening to public safety in Bengal? Even a Customs officer is not safe from these criminals.”