KOLKATA – Tension continues to simmer in South Kolkata’s Golpark area after police arrested two more suspects linked to Sunday’s violent clashes, bringing the total number of detentions to 19. The clashes involved bomb blasts, gunfire, and street brawls between rival groups, but the main accused, Sona Pappu, remains at large.
The unrest erupted late Sunday evening near Kankulia Road in the Rabindra Sarobar police station jurisdiction. What started as a club picnic spiraled into chaos when two factions clashed fiercely. Eyewitnesses reported around 100-150 rioters hurling bricks, crude bombs, and sharp weapons, while shots rang out in the night.
Police vehicles and local residents’ motorcycles bore the brunt of the vandalism. Officers recovered bullet casings and bomb fragments from the scene, underscoring the intensity of the confrontation. Local traders led by Bapi Halder accuse Sona Pappu’s gang of trying to muscle in on the neighborhood, targeting them to establish dominance.
Rabindra Sarobar police have been relentless, launching raids since the incident. Ten arrests happened immediately, followed by four more on Monday night, three by Tuesday afternoon, and now two additional – Rakesh Banik and Rajiv Das alias Sonu, both from Panchantala Road.
Three FIRs have been registered, including one for attacking a police vehicle. Meanwhile, Sona Pappu went live on Facebook Tuesday, proclaiming his innocence and denying involvement. As investigations deepen, residents demand swift action to restore peace in this bustling part of the city.