Howrah firing was accidental, youth held with illegal gun, no gang rivalry involved

The Howrah Police have clarified that the June 22 firing incident in Santragachi was not related to any gang rivalry or promoter dispute but was an accidental firing from an illegal firearm. The youth who sustained the gunshot wound, identified as Bapan Bera, has been arrested following investigation. He was found to be in possession of the illegal weapon that caused the incident.

The incident took place near Raymond Gate in the Santragachi police station area. Initially, Bapan Bera had alleged that five to six unidentified individuals had opened fire at him while he was standing with his friend Akash Mandal. Based on his complaint, an FIR (No. 57/25) was registered under IPC Sections 318(2), 109, 3(5), and Arms Act Sections 25 and 27.

Police initiated a probe into the case, examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and speaking to locals. No eyewitness could corroborate the claim made by Bapan. His friend Akash Mandal, who had fled after the incident, was traced and arrested. During interrogation, Akash revealed that the shot was fired accidentally from a small illegal firearm that Bapan was carrying. Akash’s statement was recorded before a judicial magistrate under IPC Section 183.

Meanwhile, Bapan Bera had also gone missing during the course of the investigation. He was later located and taken into custody. During an overnight interrogation on Monday, he admitted that the bullet was fired from his illegal firearm and confirmed that there was no external attack. Police have recovered and seized the weapon used in the incident.

According to the police, there is no connection between this incident and any form of criminal rivalry or gang-related violence. The case has been classified as an accidental firing due to the mishandling of an unlicensed weapon. Bapan Bera is scheduled to be produced before the court on Tuesday.