Cops arrest promoter for beating kids with rod in Regent Park area

Concerns over the unchecked aggression of real estate promoters in Kolkata resurfaced following a violent incident in the Purba Putiari area under the Regent Park police station. A local promoter, Pratosh Shaha, has been arrested for allegedly leading a brutal assault on two youths with bamboo sticks and iron rods, reportedly triggered by a mere cricket ball entering his construction site.

The incident unfolded near a construction project where local youths were playing cricket on an adjacent ground, a common practice in the area. During their game, the ball accidentally went inside a flat within the building under construction. This seemingly minor event led to a violent confrontation allegedly initiated by the promoter.

According to the mother of one of the victims, there's reason to believe the promoter, Pratosh Shaha, might have been intoxicated at the time. She alleged that he was likely consuming alcohol inside the same room the ball entered and noted a strong smell of alcohol emanating from him during the assault. She claimed the promoter first slapped the teenagers before escalating the violence.

The allegations state that the enraged promoter, joined by 4-5 of his associates or "disciples," then proceeded to beat the youths mercilessly with bamboo sticks and iron rods. The violence didn't stop there; when family members of the injured boys rushed to the scene to rescue them, they too were allegedly subjected to mistreatment and verbal abuse by the promoter and his group.

The assault resulted in severe injuries to both teenagers. One victim suffered a broken arm, while the other sustained a broken leg. Following the incident, concerned local residents quickly intervened and transported the injured youths to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment for their fractures.

The distressed families of the victims promptly lodged a formal complaint with the Regent Park police station detailing the horrific incident. Acting on the complaint, the police initiated an investigation and subsequently arrested the accused promoter, Pratosh Shaha, holding him accountable for the alleged assault that has once again highlighted the issue of promoter high-handedness in the city despite administrative vigilance.