Ferry ghat dispute escalates: Civic volunteer and owner arrested for assaulting passenger over fare

A serious altercation took place at the Manik Nagar ferry ghat in Shantipur, West Bengal, leading to the assault of a passenger and the subsequent arrest of a ferry ghat owner and a civic volunteer. The incident occurred around 3 PM on Wednesday when Shubho Basak, a saree businessman from the area, was traveling with a friend. Basak, unable to provide small change for the ferry fare, informed the ghat owner that he would settle the remaining balance on his return journey. The ghat owner reportedly became upset by this, leading to a heated argument.

According to Basak, during the dispute, the ghat owner and the civic volunteer, identified as Goshto Sarkar, a member of the Shantipur police station, allegedly snatched his helmet and struck him with it, causing significant injuries to his face. Basak, who frequently uses the ferry ghat for business-related travel, was left with a bleeding face following the incident. He claimed that the assault happened shortly after the fare dispute, with the ghat owner and the volunteer responding violently to his request for more time to pay.

In response to the assault, villagers gathered at the ferry ghat and detained the ghat owner and the civic volunteer for several hours, holding them in captivity until police arrived at the scene. The villagers staged a protest, demanding immediate action and justice for the victim. The Shantipur police responded promptly, taking control of the situation, arresting the accused, and ensuring that the area was secure. Both the ghat owner and Goshto Sarkar were taken into custody for their involvement in the assault.

Authorities have confirmed that both individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. The civic volunteer, Goshto Sarkar, is also reportedly involved in a separate assault case in another part of the district, adding to the controversy surrounding his role in law enforcement duties. The police are continuing their investigations into both cases, while Shubho Basak has expressed concern about his safety and the potential for further issues when using the same ferry ghat in the future. The Shantipur police station has assured the public that appropriate legal action will be taken.