Fresh detentions in Kolkata’s explosive Golpark skirmish have swelled arrests to 19, as Rabindra Sarobar police close in on networks behind Sunday’s bombings and shootouts. Primary target Sona Pappu, however, slips through the net despite intensifying efforts.
Chaos descended on Panchantala’s picnic spot around 8:30 PM, transforming merriment into mayhem between Bapi Halder’s merchant allies and the rival faction tied to Sona Pappu. Over 100 marauders rained bricks, bombs, gunshots, and slashes, trashing police vans and bikes in the frenzy.
Bullet shells and blast debris marked the turf, fueling claims of a gang power grab. Residents rally behind Halder, viewing the onslaught as a bid to intimidate and conquer the locality.
Police response was swift: 10 rounded up instantly, four in Monday raids, three Tuesday afternoon, and the newest pair – Panchantala locals Rakesh Banik and Rajiv Das alias Sonu – that evening. The station logs three FIRs, probing vehicle assaults among other charges.
In a bold move, Sona Pappu hit Facebook Live Tuesday, swearing off any complicity. With the area still tense, Kolkata’s finest commit to exhaustive pursuits, determined to neutralize threats and rebuild trust in this vibrant South Kolkata hub.