Howrah, 26 May (H.S.): Taking a tough stand against crime and extortion, Howrah City Police has publicly paraded three accused persons across different areas of the city within the last three days, drawing comparisons with the policing style associated with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Those paraded included Trinamool Congress leader Shamim Ahmed alias “Boro,” dismissed temporary home guard Shahin Molla accused of extortion, and alleged North Howrah gangster Akash Singh.
All three accused were reportedly taken through public roads wearing only vests and undergarments. Police tied a rope around Shahin Molla’s waist, while the other two accused were handcuffed during the parade. Police officials said the action was aimed at creating fear among criminals and sending a strong message against crime.
Shahin Molla was arrested on May 23 and had already been dismissed from service before his arrest. He is accused of using his influence in the area despite being a temporary home guard, allegedly engaging in extortion and intimidation. On Monday, a Howrah court remanded him to four days of police custody.
Former influential Shivpur-based Trinamool leader Shamim Ahmed was also paraded publicly in his locality. On Monday evening, a joint team of police and central forces marched him in handcuffs near GT Road and the tram depot area in front of his residence. He had been arrested from Mumbai last week along with two others and later brought to West Bengal on transit remand.
Meanwhile, alleged North Howrah “don” Akash Singh was also taken around different localities in handcuffs as police reportedly recreated several crime scenes linked to him. According to police, he is accused in more than 20 criminal cases, including allegedly opening fire on police personnel. He was arrested earlier this month.
Local residents said they had never witnessed such policing in Howrah before. However, some people also raised questions over publicly parading accused persons in this manner. Police officials maintained that the primary objective of the action was to send a strong deterrent message against criminal activities.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey
