Kolkata: 18-year-old sells off late dad's truck, buys bike to lead theft racket

KOLKATA: Dip Chakraborty (18) was barely out of his teens when his father - a truck driver who had bought a truck for himself - passed away in 2017. Dip was in Class XI but had to drop out to help support his family who had shifted to a shanty on Canal East Road. His family had to sell off the truck and give Rs 25,000 for his immediate expenses. "He pooled in some money and brought a red Pulsar bike for himself.Life changed for him after that," said a police officer, who has tracked him for the past three years.
On Monday evening, he was finally arrested by the Ultadanga police for leading a gang that stole car accessories like stereo and ACs. Poltu Shaw (39), a resident of Nilambhar Mukherjee Street, alleged that in the wee hours of Monday some criminals stole his car stereo and damaged his vehicle's window panes and dashboard. Accordingly, a case was registered with Ultadanga police.
"During investigation, police put an all-out effort and conducted night-long raids. Leads from CCTV cameras, where the Pulsar belonging to Dip were visible also helped. By 5am on Tuesday, the case was cracked and Dip was arrested from his residence. In pursuant to his statement, the music player was recovered from his residence along with other music systems that he had stolen earlier and instruments of operation," said DC (east suburban) Ajoy Prasad.
Ultadanga police said that during questioning, the accused claimed that he had operated in groups that had two members each. "While one person would break the car lock and windows, another will be on guard sitting on the bike. We are trying to nab his other accomplices," said the officer.
Police said they were planning counselling sessions for the youth. "He is now seasoned but we would like to see him reformed. But, it will be a carrot-and-stick policy. We will help him reform but raids will continue against his gang. At the same time, we will keep him under lens for the time being," said an officer.
Police also promised more action in the area. "It's a sustained but impromptu drive that will be taken every once in a while from now on till the KMC elections," said a senior officer.