Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Jul 13: Notorious criminal Raja Dutta was shot dead in the early hours of Monday in what police suspect was a gang-related attack near the Belghoria Expressway in North Dum Dum. Five people have been taken into custody for questioning, though no formal arrests have been made so far.
Investigators are scanning CCTV footage from the surrounding area to identify those involved and piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Initial findings indicate that the incident may have stemmed from an ongoing rivalry between criminal groups.
Dutta's body, riddled with bullet injuries, was found lying beside the expressway. He was rushed to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in a critical condition, where doctors pronounced him dead. Two men believed to be his associates also sustained gunshot injuries and remain in critical condition while undergoing treatment.
Police sources said Dutta, a resident of Birati in North 24 Parganas district, was riding his motorcycle along the Belghoria Expressway when he allegedly encountered members of a rival gang. Investigators suspect the attackers were familiar to him and had positioned themselves at the location in anticipation of his arrival.
According to the preliminary probe, Dutta was carrying a firearm during the incident. Police believe the weapon may have been taken from him before he was shot multiple times at close range. The exact motive behind the attack and the circumstances that triggered the confrontation are still under investigation.
Personnel from Dum Dum Police Station responded to reports of gunfire and shifted the injured victims to hospital. Investigators are also examining whether the killing was connected to Dutta's criminal background and previous disputes. Efforts are underway to identify the escape route used by the assailants after the attack.
Senior officers, including Barrackpore Police Commissionerate Deputy Commissioner (South) Samir Ahmad, inspected the crime scene as the investigation continued.