Kolkata, 1 October (H.S.): Festivities in Howrah were shaken on Tuesday night when gunfire erupted during Durga Puja celebrations, leaving a notorious criminal dead. According to police sources, the incident took place around 9:30 pm at Bano Bihari Bose Lane in the busy Sandhya Bazaar area, where two bike-borne assailants opened fire on 55-year-old Suresh Yadav.

Yadav, originally from Gopalganj in Bihar, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

In a statement issued on Wednesday morning, the Howrah Police Commissionerate confirmed that Yadav had a long criminal record and had served nearly seven to eight years in Gopalganj jail. While he was regarded locally as a businessman, he was also known to be involved in several criminal cases in Bihar. Police further noted that Yadav had survived an armed attack in Gopalganj two years ago, stemming from gang rivalries.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants arrived on a motorcycle, targeted Yadav, and fired multiple rounds before fleeing the scene. Senior officers of Howrah City Police reached the spot immediately and collected vital evidence.

Preliminary investigation suggests the killing was premeditated. CCTV footage from the area has been seized, and locals are being questioned for further leads.

The murder in a crowded public place during Durga Puja has triggered panic and tension in the locality. Police have assured that crucial leads have been obtained and arrests will be made soon.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh