Kolkata: Shoe Hawker Allegedly Assaults Customer with Iron Rod Over Price Dispute at New Market
In a shocking incident at Kolkata's bustling New Market area, a 33-year-old man was allegedly assaulted with an iron rod by a shoe hawker following a heated argument over prices. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, sending ripples through the local community and prompting police action.
Details of the Assault on Market Street
The complainant, identified as Md Irfan Khan, a resident of Mirza Galib Street, reported that the assault took place around 5:25 pm near 25, Market Street. This location is well-known for its numerous street-side shoe stalls, where such disputes occasionally arise. According to Khan's complaint, he got into a verbal altercation with shoe hawker Md Shafi regarding the pricing of shoes. The argument quickly escalated, culminating in Shafi allegedly striking Khan with an iron rod, resulting in a significant head injury.
Khan stated that his mother, Kausari Khatoon, and a friend, Ameen Khatoon, were present at the scene during the assault, witnessing the violent turn of events. Their presence adds crucial eyewitness accounts to the ongoing investigation.
Police Response and Legal Action
Following the incident, a case was promptly registered at the New Market Police Station. Authorities have invoked Section 118(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means. This legal step underscores the seriousness with which law enforcement is treating the assault.
Police officials confirmed that an investigation is currently underway to gather more evidence and ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the altercation. The swift registration of the case highlights the proactive measures taken by the Kolkata Police to address such violent incidents in public spaces.
Medical Treatment and Aftermath
After the assault, Md Irfan Khan was immediately taken to Medical College Hospital for urgent medical attention. He received treatment for his head injuries and was later discharged, indicating that while the injuries were serious, they were not life-threatening. However, the psychological impact of such a violent encounter cannot be overlooked, and it raises concerns about safety in crowded market areas.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for conflicts to turn violent in high-traffic commercial zones like New Market. It also brings to light the challenges faced by both vendors and customers in negotiating prices, sometimes leading to aggressive confrontations.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are likely to examine surveillance footage from the area and interview more witnesses to build a robust case. The community awaits further updates, hoping for justice and enhanced security measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
