Elderly businesswoman attacked, threatened in broad daylight in Manicktala

A shocking incident unfolded on Kolkata’s Ultadanga Main Road in broad daylight, where 60-year-old Nirupama Saha was allegedly attacked, abused, and threatened by a group of men in what she claims was an attempt to intimidate her over a business fallout. According to her written complaint, the attack occurred on April 2 around 3 PM while she was driving her small freight vehicle accompanied by her brother Sunil.

The incident began when a motorbike deliberately blocked Nirupama’s vehicle mid-road. Moments later, 10–12 individuals surrounded her car, allegedly dragged the driver out, and one of them forcibly took control of the steering. Nirupama says she was verbally abused and manhandled as one of the attackers shouted, “You have to go with us.” When she resisted, her 70-year-old brother was also reportedly assaulted.

The group allegedly tried to divert her vehicle towards a different location and began unloading goods—salt and sugar—which she had been exporting as part of her 20-year-old business. A traffic police officer intervened upon hearing her cries for help, stopping the incident from escalating further. Later, she approached Manicktala police station and filed a complaint, though she claims it took six days of persistent follow-up for an FIR to be registered.

Nirupama accused a local businessman named Gopal Saha of orchestrating the attack. She claims to have had previous business ties with Gopal, which she terminated due to financial discrepancies. According to her, Gopal threatened her earlier that unless she resumed taking goods from him, she wouldn’t be allowed to operate her business. The recent attack, she believes, was part of that pressure tactic.

Gopal, when contacted, denied involvement in any violence but confirmed he had sent people to “talk” to her about an outstanding payment of ₹3.57 lakh. He claimed she owed him money despite having repaid ₹2 lakh. Nirupama, however, maintains that she has all the financial documents to prove her dues are cleared and alleges that the police are intentionally slow in taking action due to Gopal's local influence.

The Manicktala police station has confirmed a case has been registered under sections related to assault, sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, and attempted robbery. However, no arrests have been made so far. Nirupama remains fearful and has called for stronger legal action, including charges of attempted abduction.