KOLKATA: In poll-bound West Bengal, notorious figures known as Khargosh and Uchchhe have found themselves behind bars. The detective department of Kolkata Police, acting under orders from the Election Commission to ensure peace ahead of the assembly elections and on polling day, launched raids on Monday night and Tuesday, rounding up 12 potential troublemakers from the city and its suburbs.
Arrests Based on Non-Bailable Warrants
Among those arrested are individuals with aliases such as Khargosh, Uchchhe, Mister, and Mannu Ustad. These names, which might sound like characters from Bengali fiction, inspire fear in the narrow alleys of Kolkata. The arrests were executed based on non-bailable warrants issued by courts after police cited their alleged roles in unrest during previous elections.
We prepared a list of troublemakers who we think might disrupt peace before or on election day, said a senior officer at Lalbazar. Based on that, officers from the anti-rowdy squad of the detective department arrested 12 individuals.
Key Arrests and Their Backgrounds
Kartick Sonkar, alias Khargosh (36), one of those held, is from Tagore Castle Street in Pathuriaghata, north Kolkata. He is a history-sheeter and trouble-monger in the Jorabagan police station area, said Soma Das Mitra, joint commissioner of police (crime). Uttam Shaw, alias Uchchhe (35), a resident of Bosepukur Prantik Pally, is a history-sheeter from Kasba. Istique Ahmed, alias Mister (44), from M M Barman Street in Jorasanko, was another wanted man.
Police sources said Khargosh (meaning rabbit), who was arrested along with his associate Chapta (Amit Singh), is anything but timid. A prominent operative in north Kolkata's extortion racket, Khargosh's influence extended from Jorabagan to Burrabazar. He recently shifted base to Howrah after surviving a street attack by rivals who had plotted to hack him to death.
The preemptive action by Kolkata Police aims to ensure a peaceful electoral process in the state. Further operations are expected to continue until the elections conclude.
