Police arrest 3 after late-night shooting, bombing rock Kolkata's Gulshan Colony

A night of terror unfolded in Kolkata's Gulshan Colony, marked by a shocking sequence of shooting followed by bombing, leaving residents in a state of fear. The violence began on Thursday evening when assailants arrived at the local auto stand and unleashed a barrage of gunfire. Just hours later, in the dead of night, the same area was targeted again, this time with a series of bomb blasts that engulfed the locality in smoke and panic, a brazen act that was even captured on CCTV cameras.

The targets of the late-night bombing were identified as the residences of followers of local Councilor Sushant Ghosh, suggesting the incidents are a result of deep-seated political rivalries. According to allegations made by the opposition, the orchestrated attacks from Thursday evening to night were masterminded by Mini Feroz, a close associate of a ruling party MLA, and her group. Residents are said to be exasperated by the ongoing factional conflicts within the ruling party that have turned their neighborhood into a battleground.

In response to the escalating situation, police have acted swiftly, arresting three accused late that night from the Entali and Narkeldanga areas. In a significant recovery, law enforcement officials seized two 7 mm pistols and cartridges from the arrested individuals. The police have registered two cases against the trio under the Arms Act, initiating a formal investigation into the organized nature of the violence.

Despite the arrests and a swift police presence, questions about security have been raised. Local sources confirm that police had cordoned off the area immediately after the evening shooting. However, the subsequent bomb blasts occurred regardless of the police presence, leading many to question if a larger conspiracy is at play. This apparent security lapse has fueled public criticism and raised concerns about the overall law and order situation in the area.

Adding to the political firestorm, BJP leader Sajal Ghosh made a series of explosive allegations. "This won't be done with the Kolkata police there," he stated, suggesting that a more formidable force, like the "Bangladesh police," would be needed to restore order. He further alleged that Gulshan Colony is a "colony of Rohingyas" and a "whole illegal world," claiming it has a disproportionately low number of voters compared to its large population. These unverified claims have added a controversial dimension to the ongoing security debate.