Former Doordarshan Singer Fatally Stabbed in Kolkata Flat
A 64-year-old woman, a retired singer who performed on Akashvani and Doordarshan, died after a brutal stabbing in her Behala apartment on Monday morning. Police identified the attacker as Sanju Sarkar, a woman who worked as a caregiver for the victim's husband four years ago.
Demand for Money Turns Violent
Sanju Sarkar visited the flat at Priyadarshini housing complex near Shakti Sangha Club around 8:30 am. She demanded money from Anita Ghosh, the retired singer. When Ghosh refused, Sarkar pulled out a knife and attacked her multiple times. The assault targeted Ghosh's chin and abdomen.
Ghosh fought back during the attack. She tried to defend herself, causing some injuries to Sarkar as well. The victim's 75-year-old husband, Arup Kumar Ghosh, lay bedridden in the same second-floor flat during the incident. He also worked for Doordarshan before retirement.
Neighbors Hear Desperate Cries for Help
Bimal Patra, a resident of Priyadarshini, heard loud cries shortly after 8:30 am. "I heard someone screaming 'amake bachao' (save me)," Patra recalled. He and other neighbors traced the sounds to the Ghosh apartment.
They knocked on the door, and Sanju Sarkar answered. She claimed to be an ayah who had worked the night shift. Sarkar told neighbors that another caregiver who arrived in the morning had attacked Anita Ghosh.
The neighbors found Ghosh lying near the bathroom, surrounded by blood. They immediately alerted the couple's son, Aritra Ghosh, who works for an IT company and lives separately in Joka. They also called police and requested an ambulance.
Attacker Attempts to Flee Scene
While neighbors provided assistance, Sarkar tried to leave the apartment. She claimed she needed to attend to a family emergency. The suspicious neighbors blocked her exit and detained her until police arrived.
Investigators later discovered that Sarkar had stolen gold ornaments and cash from an almirah after the stabbing. She took advantage of the chaos following her violent attack.
Victim Rushed to Hospital
Ghosh's son arrived quickly and transported his mother to a private hospital in Behala Manton. Medical staff declared her dead upon arrival. The family kept significant cash at home for medical emergencies, according to relative Amiya Kumar Ghosh.
Police Investigation Underway
Police arrested Sanju Sarkar, a resident of Paschim Putiari. She confessed to stabbing Anita Ghosh during interrogation. Officers also detained the family's cook and the ayah who worked the previous night shift.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Rahul De confirmed that Sarkar previously worked as a caregiver in the Ghosh household. Joint Commissioner Rupesh Kumar detailed the sequence of events leading to the fatal attack.
Authorities are investigating whether any ayah center sent Sarkar to the victim's flat. The Ghosh family employed caregivers in shifts through such centers, with workers frequently changing.
Community Remembers Talented Singer
Neighbors described Anita Ghosh as a talented vocalist who participated in all cultural events at Priyadarshini housing complex. One long-time resident noted she was among the first to move into the building in 1994.
"Buludi rarely left her apartment because she cared for her ailing husband," the neighbor said. "But she always sang beautifully at our functions. Recently, she expressed concerns about finding trustworthy caregivers."
The tragic incident has shocked the Behala community, where the Ghosh family was well-known for their contributions to broadcasting and local culture.
