The Keoratala crematorium in Kolkata, a place meant for solemn last rites, has transformed into a zone of fear and terror after sunset. Local residents and civic staff have raised serious allegations against drunk miscreants from nearby neighbourhoods who are taking over the area, creating mayhem, and extorting money from grieving families.
Harassment and Violence Against Mourners and Staff
According to multiple accounts, these anti-social elements routinely harass people who come to perform the final rituals for their loved ones, demanding money from them. In a disturbing trend, some of these goons even blend into the crowds of mourners to carry out their intimidation tactics. Their primary targets are the 'doms,' the traditional crematorium workers, whom they beat up if they refuse to fund their addictions.
A recent incident on Friday night saw a group of inebriated goons brutally thrash a dom named Raju Mullick. This act of violence sent shockwaves through the crematorium staff, who were left frightened and insecure. Following the assault, the doms collectively demanded proper security arrangements and even warned of stopping work if their safety was not guaranteed.
Brazen Attacks on KMC Officials and Infrastructure
The intimidation does not stop with the doms. In a brazen follow-up to the attack on Raju Mullick, a group of these goons barged into the cabin of the sub-registrars. They used the pretext of a delay in arranging a cremation to threaten the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) staff on duty, warning them of dire consequences.
This pattern of harassment is not isolated. Earlier in the week, a miscreant posed as a security guard of the crematorium and tried to extort money from a mourner. A vigilant KMC staff member present at the scene sensed something was wrong and managed to have the impersonator handed over to the police. In another alarming event, security guards had to rush to the rescue of KMC staffers after a group of drunk goons entered the death registration office. The intruders abused the staff and created a ruckus, demanding to jump the queue for a cremation.
Calls for Police Action and Security Upgrade
A KMC health department official has pointedly blamed police inaction for the growing 'goonda raj' in the crematorium area. They highlighted the inadequacy of the existing security post. The police kiosk inside the crematorium, manned by just a lone constable and a civic volunteer, is described as virtually non-functional, especially during crises.
"Time and again we have requested the competent authorities to upgrade the security, particularly for the night hours," stated the frustrated civic official. The plea underscores a systemic failure to protect both the sanctity of the space and the people who work and visit there.
When confronted with the issue, KMC chairperson and South Kolkata MP Mala Roy admitted that incidents of drunken brawls have indeed increased at Keoratala. She asserted that she has instructed the police not to spare anyone found indulging in such unlawful and disruptive acts. The community now waits to see if these assurances translate into concrete action to reclaim the crematorium from the grip of terror.
