Kolkata youth shot in stomach near PK Thakur Ghat Road, suspect Kartik Sonakar on the run
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A young man was shot and injured in the early hours of Sunday, 30 August in the North Port Police Station area of north Kolkata, police confirmed. The victim, identified as Santosh Chowdhury, was hit in the stomach and rushed to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, where his condition was reported as stable.
How the Attack Unfolded
According to police, the incident occurred shortly after midnight near PK Thakur Ghat Road. The alleged attacker, identified as Kartik Sonakar, also known by the alias 'Khargosh', arrived at the location with associates. Upon spotting Chowdhury, the group opened fire, striking him in the stomach. As Chowdhury fell, Sonakar and his associates fled the scene.
Locals who heard the gunshots rushed to the spot and helped transport Chowdhury to hospital. A senior officer of Kolkata Police confirmed: 'The incident took place shortly after midnight. The miscreants fired several rounds of bullets at the youth. He was hit in the stomach. The locals rushed him to the hospital. He is presently in a stable condition. A case has been registered against the miscreants. A search has begun to arrest them. Investigation is on.'
Family Dispute Believed to Be the Trigger
Initial investigation indicates the shooting stemmed from a family dispute between Chowdhury and Sonakar, who are reportedly related. Police said Sonakar had previously threatened to kill Chowdhury, though the precise sequence of events that escalated into gunfire on the night remains under investigation.
Cases Registered, Hunt Launched
The North Port Police Station has registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including attempt to murder. A separate case has also been registered under the Arms Act, 1959. A search operation is currently under way to apprehend Sonakar and his associates.
What Happens Next
With Sonakar still at large, investigators are piecing together the background of the dispute and tracing the firearm used in the attack. The incident underscores persistent concerns about illegal weapons and intra-family violence in dense urban pockets of Kolkata. The outcome of the manhunt and Chowdhury's recovery will be closely watched.