Kolkata’s law enforcers notched two fresh arrests in the probe into South Kolkata’s Golpark gang war, elevating the tally to 19 amid a hunt for prime suspect Sona Pappu. The February 4 incident fused picnic revelry with raw violence, marked by bombs, bullets, and melee.
Rabindra Sarobar police detail how the affray ignited Sunday night at a Kankulia Road club event. Factions pitted local traders under Bapi Halder against Sona Pappu’s alleged posse, erupting into widespread disorder. Approximately 150 agitators wielded crude explosives, firearms, and edged tools, pelting police transports and civilian two-wheelers.
Forensic finds included casings and shrapnel, painting a grim picture. Locals decry the gang’s push for territorial hegemony, fingering them for the orchestrated assault on Halder’s group.
Post-incident, raids netted an initial 10, then four overnight Monday, three by Tuesday noon, and now Rakesh Banik plus Rajiv Das (Sonu), residents of Panchantala Road. FIRs encompass vehicle attacks and related offenses.
Sona Pappu, undeterred, broadcast a Facebook defense Tuesday, insisting on his blamelessness. As the city watches, police operations press on, aiming to uproot the roots of this turf battle and safeguard Golpark’s fragile calm.