Kolkata: In a major breakthrough in the probe into last Sunday's violent clashes at the Park Circus intersection, which left six police officers injured and three vehicles vandalised, Kolkata Police has uncovered a planned plot orchestrated by the organisers. A local political functionary, allegedly from the Trinamool Congress, is said to have played a crucial role. Police are preparing to summon him soon.
Calculated Attack on Law Enforcement
We are certain this was a calculated attack on law enforcement, backed by digital footprints and WhatsApp blueprints, stated an officer. By Wednesday evening, the number of arrests in connection with the case rose to 50, after Beniapukur police and the detective department ARS rounded up four more suspects using CCTV footage analysis.
Key Arrests and Evidence
Reviewing multiple CCTV feeds, detectives claimed they initially zeroed in on the prime accused, Faridul Islam, who was apprehended on Monday along with five key associates. Faridul was caught on camera pelting stones and inciting the mob. Upon seizing the mobile phones of the arrested core group, cyber experts discovered numerous synchronised WhatsApp groups where the logistics of the protest, including specific gathering points, routes, and sourcing locations for stones, were meticulously discussed days in advance.
Political Links Uncovered
Call detail records (CDR) of Faridul and his associates revealed relentless communication with a local political heavyweight, according to sources. This leader was in constant touch with the organisers 48 hours prior to the agitation, particularly on Saturday, just hours before the protest area turned into a war zone. Lalbazar has secured critical digital evidence linking this politician to the violence.
Investigation into Financing and Outsiders
Police claimed Faridul is being questioned about whether there were financiers behind the crime and whether he had hired outsiders to join the protest. Among those identified from CCTV and arrested are Md Zuber Alam (19) of Nawada in Bihar, Md Aman (22) of Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh, Jamil Ansari (30) of Jamtara in Jharkhand, and Gulam Gaus (40) of Vaishali in Bihar.
The Incident and Aftermath
An unauthorised assembly at Park Circus on Sunday erupted in violence as the mob vandalised Kolkata Police and Central Armed Police Force vehicles. At least six police officers and two CAPF personnel were injured. Police said they will try to recover losses from the accused according to legal norms by attaching their property and selling it.
Faridul claimed, I did not call the protest. I saw the poster on social media. Since I was nearby, I attended it. After going there, I did not see anyone familiar. But it was a spontaneous protest against bulldozer action and how so many names were deleted from the electoral rolls due to SIR. He is a prominent face in No-NRC and Anti-SIR protests.
