Sonarpur shootout: Jilted lover emerges as prime accused, arrested

Kolkata: A youth has been arrested in connection with the Sonarpur shootout on Tuesday night. It is suspected that the accused had shot the victim, identified as Puja Mahajan, as she had allegedly discontinued a relationship with him.

According to sources, Puja had a love affair with one Soumen Kayal for the past few years. A few months ago she reportedly discontinued the relationship. Though Kayal tried to convince her to carry on with the relationship, Puja denied to do so. It is alleged that after Puja denied to continue their relationship, Kayal threatened her with dire consequences. But Puja did not take the threats seriously.

Recently, Puja had developed a relationship with another youth from Tollygunge area. Sources informed that Kayal somehow came to know about the same and started seeking a chance to get his revenge.

According to local sources, Puja worked in a private company, while Kayal is a physiotherapist. On Tuesday night, when Puja was returning home, Kayal and another youth were waiting for her in front of her home at Ghoshpara with their faces covered. When Puja reached the spot, Kayal allegedly threatened her. When Puja protested, both of them got involved in an altercation. All of a sudden, Kayal brought out a firearm and shot Puja in the head. He then fled from the spot on a bike.

Hearing the gunshot, locals rushed to the spot and saw Puja lying in a pool of blood. She was rushed to a private hospital in critical condition, where doctors operated on her and removed the bullet. However, she succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday.

Sources also informed that Puja's father Kalo Mahajan was arrested a month ago in a cheating case. At present he is in judicial custody. Sleuths are investigating to know if that case has any connection with Tuesday's incident.