Incensed mob ransacks house of goon who shot at youth

Tension broke out at Saraldighi near Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas on Sunday morning when hundreds of local people staged demonstration, ransacked houses and office of a local goon who opened fire at a youth when the latter protested against his anti-social activities.

Police said the accused Shyamal Biswas and his associates including Bappa had been causing inconvenience to the local people as they carried out different anti-social activities there.

On Saturday evening, Shyamal and his associates were in an inebriated state. They came out of the house from where they run their activities and started beating up a youth just for gossiping with another friend outside their house. Right at that time, the victim, Biswanath Seal, was passing by the place while returning home.

A snag had developed in his motorbike and he had to push his two-wheeler to take it to a mechanic. Instead of leaving the place without protesting, Biswanath left his motorbike and raised his voice against Shayamal for beating up the youth without any valid reason. Biswanath rescued the youth and left the place.

After around two hours, Shyamal and his men raided Biswanth's house. They opened fire at him inside the room where he was having dinner. Biswanath received injuries on his right arm.

Hearing the sound of firing and the chaos taking place, Biswanath's neighbours came out of their houses. Shyamal along with his associates had left the place threatening everyone present there that they will face dire consequences if they go to the police. The local people took Biswanath to a hospital in the area. He was later shifted to SSKM Hospital.

The situation took a new turn on Sunday morning when local people jointly attacked the house of Shyamal. They damaged the windowpanes, furniture and valuables in his house. The people were found breaking the boundary wall of the prime accused's house. They also ransacked his office from where he used invite goons from outside.

Policemen from Sonarpur police station went to the spot and brought the situation under control.

Local people alleged that every night around 15 to 20 youth, all involved in anti-social activities, used to play loud music in the house and dance after taking alcohol.

The victim's neighbour's alleged that despite giving written memorandum against the accused, the police had never taken any action against them. The police finally arrested Shyamal. His associate Bappa is still at large.