Kolkata, India witnessed a disturbing incident of alleged mob violence and political thuggery when a Customs inspector, Pradeep Kumar, was brutally assaulted in his own home following a seemingly minor road altercation. The incident, which unfolded on a Saturday night in the Sonarpur Rajpur area of South 24 Parganas, involved a large group of auto-rickshaw drivers and their associates, who allegedly stormed Kumar's housing apartment and extensively vandalized his flat.

The events leading up to the assault began as Pradeep Kumar, a Customs inspector originally from Uttar Pradesh who has served in Kolkata for nine years, was driving home. Near his residence, an auto-rickshaw reportedly dashed his vehicle. This led to a heated exchange between Kumar and the three-wheeler driver regarding the latter's reckless driving. Following the altercation, Kumar proceeded to his apartment, likely believing the incident had concluded.

However, the situation escalated dramatically. CCTV footage subsequently showed a mob of approximately 50 to 60 armed auto drivers descending upon Kumar's housing complex. They forcibly broke through the collapsible gate and then the main door of his flat, gaining unauthorized entry. Once inside, the attackers subjected Kumar to a severe beating, resulting in injuries to his head, neck, and chin, which later required medical attention at a hospital. During the harrowing ordeal, his wife was also reportedly shoved, and the flat was thoroughly ransacked by the perpetrators.

A critical aspect of Kumar's account involved a troubling delay in police response. He alleged that despite repeatedly calling for help, police informed him they were preoccupied with the immersion procession of Kali Puja. Although law enforcement officials eventually arrived at his residence, it was almost an hour after the attack had ceased. Recounting his traumatic experience on Sunday, Kumar expressed the profound fear he felt, stating, “At one point of time, we felt our end was near.”

The incident has swiftly garnered political attention, with Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari visiting Kumar to offer support and assistance. Authorities have since made an arrest, apprehending Azizul Gazi, who has been identified as the accused auto driver who led the attack and is reportedly a worker for the Trinamul Congress. This alleged link to a political party underscores broader concerns about law and order and the potential for political backing in local disputes and acts of violence.