Findings from special task forces in Kolkata and Bihar have uncovered a troubling trend: interstate criminals are increasingly using Kolkata as a safe haven after committing offences in their home states. Some are even attempting to invest their illicit gains in properties within the city.
Arrest of Bihar Extortionist Exposes Pattern
The scale of this issue was highlighted by the arrest of Bihar-based extortionist Naushad Mullick by the Bihar Special Task Force (STF) last Thursday. Investigations revealed that Mullick was in the process of trying to purchase a house in Kolkata's Tangra area, using profits earned from his criminal activities. This case has become a prime example of how criminals are seeking to establish bases far from their operational zones.
Police Response: Enhanced Coordination and Community Vigilance
The frequent arrests of out-of-state gang members from Kolkata have prompted a strategic shift in policing. The Kolkata STF and the detective department are now liaising more frequently with police units from other states to monitor the movements of interstate gangsters as soon as they enter West Bengal.
In a proactive move, Kolkata Police has formally requested forces from neighbouring states to share real-time information on the movements of known criminals. This intelligence-sharing is aimed at creating a pre-emptive net.
On the local front, police instructions have been issued for officers to personally meet with house owners to verify and gather detailed information about their tenants. Furthermore, the police plan to actively involve residents' associations in this vigilance drive, creating a community-based layer of security to identify suspicious newcomers.
A Growing Challenge for Urban Security
The revelations point to a significant challenge for metropolitan security, where geographical boundaries are exploited by criminal networks. The attempts to buy property suggest a move towards more permanent and disguised operations. The collaborative model being adopted by Kolkata Police, combining interstate data exchange with grassroots-level checks, marks a critical step in addressing this evolving threat. The success of this approach will depend on sustained cooperation between various state police forces and the active participation of the city's residents.
