Kolkata: Brother-in-law killed woman, whose severed head was found, for spurning advances
Kolkata (PTI): The woman, whose severed head was found at a garbage dump in south Kolkata's Tollygunge area, was allegedly killed by her brother-in-law as she had snubbed his advances, police said on Saturday.
Cracking the case within 24 hours, Kolkata Police arrested the brother-in-law, identified as Atiur Rahman Laskar, from his native village, Basuldanga, in Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district.
Police claimed that Laskar, a construction worker, confessed to killing the woman who was separated from her husband two years ago.
While the severed head of the woman was found in a garbage dump near Graham Road on Friday, the torso and the lower portion of the body were found on Saturday beside a pond in the Regent Park area, DCP (South Suburban) Bidisha Kalita told a press conference.
The woman, who worked as a domestic help in the Regent Park area, used to commute to work every day along with her brother-in-law who also used to work in Tollygunge, she said.
Laskar wanted a relationship with her, and as she spurned his advances, he got furious, the DCP said.
"She started avoiding him a week back and it added to his rage. She also blocked his phone number. On Thursday evening, after she was done with work, he forced her to accompany him to an under-construction building. He strangulated her there and then beheaded her. He cut the body in three parts and dumped those," Kalita said.
"The woman was aged around 35-40. It is also being investigated if other people were involved," he said.
Police had earlier said that the woman was in a relationship with the accused, and a complication arising out of it led to the murder.
The discovery of the severed head had sent shockwaves in the middle-class neighbourhood in the southern part of the city.
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Karnataka: SP’s gunman among two arrested for extorting money from rice smuggler
Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.
Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.
According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.
The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.
Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.
Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.
Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.
"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.
She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.
Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.
The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
