Hawkers in New Market strike after extortion attack on 2 vendors, demand arrest of main accused | Watch

Over 150 hawkers in New Market’s Humayun Place suspended their business operations on Monday in response to a violent assault on two stall owners, Ramanuj Kumar Singh and Manu Singh. The attack occurred on Saturday night near SSKM Hospital when the victims were on their way home. Ramanuj was severely injured, suffering five deep gashes on his head, torso, and leg, while Manu received three cuts. The assault is believed to have been orchestrated by two former hawkers, Rehan Khan and Saif Ali Khan, who allegedly demanded Rs 3 lakh as protection money from the victims.

The strike, which saw around 160 stalls closed, was organized by the Lindsay Street Hawker Union in protest of the attack. The union's General Secretary, Sunny Shaw, emphasized that the protest would continue until the primary suspects, Rehan and Saif, were arrested. "We will not relent till the duo are arrested," Shaw stated. The hawkers expressed concerns over the safety of their community, particularly as this marks the third such attack in the last three months. Previous incidents have involved similar extortion demands and violent outcomes.

The attack has drawn attention to the growing issue of extortion in the area, with hawkers calling for stronger law enforcement measures. The financial loss due to the closure of stalls on Monday was estimated to be between Rs 1.6 lakh and Rs 2 lakh. Despite this, the hawkers have remained steadfast in their demand for justice and better protection from extortionists. Sahil, one of the hawkers participating in the strike, stated that their safety remained their primary concern, even if it meant enduring a temporary loss of income.

The police have been actively searching for the main accused, Rehan and Saif, who remain unavailable and unreachable by phone. They are facing charges of attempted murder in connection with the assault. Two individuals, Javed (31) and Tabrez (20), were arrested on Sunday in relation to the attack. Investigations are ongoing as authorities continue to search for the primary suspects, who are believed to be in hiding.

This incident adds to a series of violent events targeting hawkers in New Market. Just a month ago, two vendors, Md Rafique and Miraz, were attacked near Esplanade bus stand, and another attack took place in November on a sunglasses vendor, Chintu alias Nadeem, near Tangra. The hawkers have raised concerns over the growing criminal activity, pointing out that one of the accused, Rehan, has recently acquired significant wealth, including an expensive flat and vehicle.