Kolkata Fruit Vendor Arrested for Brutal Attack on Elderly Woman
In a shocking incident that has rattled the Netaji Nagar area of Kolkata, a young fruit vendor has been arrested for allegedly slitting the throat of a 76-year-old woman and robbing her of her gold jewellery. The arrest was made on Monday night, following a intensive police investigation that began after the horrific attack last Friday.
Details of the Gruesome Attack
The accused, identified as Sukumar Baidya, had been a regular visitor to the victim's home in the Pallishree locality of Netaji Nagar. Police reports indicate that the elderly woman lived alone, with both her daughters married and only a maid coming for daily work. Sukumar, who sold fruits in the area, had developed a relationship with the woman, often bringing her plants due to her interest in gardening and addressing her affectionately as 'grandmother'.
Last Friday, Sukumar entered the woman's home under the pretext of doing some work, but this time he was carrying a knife. While the woman was busy in the kitchen, she asked him to water the plants. Seizing the opportunity, Sukumar quietly approached her from behind and slashed her throat with the knife. As she fell to the floor, struggling for her life, Sukumar looted her gold jewellery and fled the scene.
Discovery and Medical Response
Approximately twenty minutes after the attack, the maid arrived at the house and found the door open, which immediately raised her suspicions. Upon entering, she discovered the elderly woman lying in a pool of blood. The maid began shouting for help, alerting neighbors who quickly responded.
The neighbors rushed the severely injured woman to MR Bangur Hospital for initial treatment. Her daughters were immediately informed about the attack, and the family subsequently admitted her to a private hospital where she continues to undergo treatment. Remarkably, despite the brutal nature of the attack, the woman survived.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Police from the Netaji Nagar station, along with detectives from Lalbazar, launched a comprehensive investigation into the case. Through careful examination of CCTV footage from the area, investigators were able to identify Sukumar Baidya as the prime suspect.
The police tracked Sukumar's movements as he fled the crime scene and roamed various locations in South 24 Parganas district. He was eventually apprehended from the Suryapur area in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas. During the arrest, police recovered the stolen gold jewellery from his possession.
Charges and Ongoing Probe
Sukumar Baidya has been charged with attempted murder and robbery. Police sources revealed that he had been eyeing the elderly woman's jewellery for some time, using his regular visits to her home to gain her trust before carrying out the violent robbery.
The investigation continues as police work to gather additional evidence and build a strong case against the accused. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of elderly residents living alone in the city and highlighted the importance of community vigilance.
