This is an archive article published on July 5, 2024
Couple ‘attacked’ in their Kolkata apartment by sweeper and two others, allege ‘shot fired’
While the three have been arrested, the couple has accused them of robbery. Further investigations are on
Written by Sweety Kumari
Kolkata | July 5, 2024 10:40 PM IST
2 min read
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“Police are investigating how the men got the firearm. Besides, they are trying to identify the accused by looking at CCTV footage of the street,” added the official.
A man and a woman in South Kolkata were attacked by three men, one of whom they had appointed as a sweeper, in an alleged attempted robbery on Thursday. Police are investigating the couple’s allegation that a shot was fired.
According to police, the three men attacked the couple inside their apartment in Tollygunge on Thursday evening. They allegedly entered the house before the homeowner, Debashish Dey, could react, and attacked him, attempting to cover his mouth with cello tape. His wife Poonam Dey reportedly began to scream, alleging that this prompted the attackers to fire a round in the air before fleeing the scene. The couple also alleged that the three men were attempting a robbery. No injuries were sustained during the incident.
“All three are residents of a neighbouring state,” said an official, adding that the Anti Rowdy Squad of the Kolkata Police has arrested them and they will be produced in court on Friday.
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“Police are investigating how the men got the firearm. Besides, they are trying to identify the accused by looking at CCTV footage of the street,” added the official. Another official of Kolkata Police’s intelligence department, who did not want to be named, said, “We have not found any evidence of firing so far.”
“We know (one of the accused) as a sweeper. Sometimes, he does work at our house. For the past few days, he had been calling my husband saying he doesn’t have any work, and asking if there was something he could do,” recounted Poonam Dey.
She added, “Yesterday he came and we allowed him inside, thinking he must have come to clean our bathroom. Soon, two unknown men, who were hiding near the stairs, entered our house with him. We asked why they were here but before we could realise, they grabbed my husband and tried to shut his mouth with cello tape. I saw that and kept screaming.”
Manisha Bose, councillor of ward 87 which covers the area, expressed displeasure over the incident, calling it “shocking”.
Sweety Kumari reports from West Bengal for The Indian Express. She is a journalist with over a decade of experience in the media industry. Covers Crime, Defence, Health , Politics etc and writes on trending topics.
With a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories. She has honed her craft across diverse beats including aviation, health, incidents etc. Sweety delivers impactful journalism that informs and engages audiences.
Sweety Kumari is a graduate of Calcutta University with an Honors degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College and a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University. Originally from Bihar, she is brought up in Kolkata and completed her education from Kendriya Vidyalaya SaltLake. Multilingual, Sweety is fluent in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili. She started her career as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a newsportal in Kolkata. She is working with The Indian Express for 8 years now. ... Read More