A quiet evening in North Kolkata turned into a scene of panic after a senior citizen discharged a firearm into the air following a fierce argument over a parking space. The incident, which underscores rising tensions in urban neighbourhoods, occurred on a residential lane in Sinthee.
Parking Argument Escalates to Gunfire
The altercation took place on Hare Krishna Sett Lane near Sinthee around 10:30 pm on Tuesday. According to police reports, the conflict began when Soumen Adhikary, an auto-rickshaw operator, parked his vehicle in front of the residence of 78-year-old Umesh Samanta. This seemingly trivial issue quickly spiraled into a heated verbal exchange between the two.
Samanta, who possesses a licensed firearm, later claimed to investigators that he felt threatened during the argument. He stated that the auto driver became aggressive and issued threats of physical assault. Citing worries due to a recent robbery in the area, Samanta asserted that he intended only to fire a warning shot to intimidate and deter Adhikary, not to cause physical harm.
Panic and Police Intervention
The sound of the single gunshot reverberated through the neighbourhood, causing immediate fear and confusion. Many local residents rushed out of their homes, alarmed by the unexpected noise. Law enforcement was promptly alerted to the situation.
Officers from the North division quickly arrived at the scene. They detained Umesh Samanta and confiscated his licensed pistol for further examination. A formal complaint was lodged regarding the incident, and Samanta was taken in for detailed questioning to ascertain the precise sequence of events and his motives.
Police Probe Explores All Angles
While the initial investigation suggests the gunshot was an act of intimidation, authorities are meticulously examining every aspect of the case. Deputy Commissioner (North) Dipak Sarkar confirmed the basic details, stating, "The senior citizen got engaged in an altercation and fired a round in the air from his licensed pistol."
The police are not taking the matter lightly and are exploring all possible angles to ensure a comprehensive understanding. Their probe will determine whether there were any lapses in the licensing process or if other factors contributed to the dramatic escalation of a common urban dispute.
The incident has sparked conversations about public safety, the responsibilities of firearm license holders, and the increasing volatility of everyday conflicts in crowded metropolitan areas like Kolkata.
