In the Badamtola area of Burdwan, residents knew Ramprasad Das and his wife Banashree Das not for their social interactions but for the constant stream of creditors who visited their rented home demanding repayment of debts. The couple, along with their minor son, had been living in a large mansion at 61 Kalna Road for about one and a half years. They largely kept to themselves, rarely interacting with neighbors.
Creditors and CCTV Surveillance
Neighbors reported that creditors would come to the house every few days, often leading to loud arguments that sometimes continued late into the night. To monitor visitors, the family had installed CCTV cameras inside the premises. A local resident said, 'People would frequently come looking for them over money matters. There were often heated exchanges at the gate.'
According to neighbors, the gates of the property were usually kept shut, and the family had minimal contact with those living nearby. Several residents alleged that Ramprasad was involved in multiple financial disputes and that his activities often seemed suspicious. Sagardip Chowdhury, a neighbor, noted that disputes involving the family were a regular occurrence. 'They hardly mixed with anyone. Most people knew them because of the frequent visits by creditors,' he said.
Rented Mansion and Sale Rumors
The family had rented a portion of the old mansion for a monthly rent of Rs 10,000. Local gossip suggested that the property might eventually be put up for sale, as its owners were based outside Burdwan.
Arrest by Delhi Police
On June 7, a seven-member team of Delhi Police arrived in Burdwan. After making discreet inquiries in the neighborhood, the team, dressed in plain clothes, quietly scaled the boundary walls of the old mansion and arrested the couple. The duo is suspected of involvement in the killing of Delhi University professor Debosmita Pal, who was their landlord.
Father's Statement
Ramprasad's father, Maheshwar Das, who works as a caretaker at Burdwan's Arobindo Stadium, said his son had been living separately from the family for a long time. 'Ramprasad is the youngest of my three sons. He used to deal in old car resales and then learned driving. Several years back he married against our wishes and moved out. He rarely came home. I am completely in the dark about where he stays and what he did. That he had gone to Delhi and killed someone is what I am hearing from you. I am an old and feeble man; I have been working at the stadium for the past 40 years. Ask around and you will know. I have nothing to do with him and I hope this does not land me in any trouble at this age,' he said.
