Allegations of illicit activities operating behind a guest house façade triggered a protest by residents in Kadambagachi, Dattapukur, on Friday night. Police faced the anger of the demonstrators upon arrival, but the situation eventually calmed after assurances from law enforcement. Following the incident, Dattapukur police have arrested two individuals, including the owner of the guest house.
Local sources reveal that Alok Banik owns the guest house in question, situated adjacent to Kadambagachi station on the Barasat-Hasnabad line. Initially, Banik operated a legitimate guest house business, renting out rooms. However, the establishment allegedly morphed into a hotel with a more nefarious purpose. Residents claim that numerous men and women from outside the area frequented the guest house, where illicit liaisons purportedly took place. A local leader from the ruling party is alleged to have provided tacit support for these activities. Area residents had previously brought this matter to the attention of law enforcement.
Frustrated by the lack of action, local inhabitants staged a protest in front of the guest house near Kadambagachi station on Friday night. During the demonstration, a physical altercation broke out between two factions. Upon receiving word of the disturbance, Dattapukur police rushed to the scene, only to find themselves encircled by agitated locals. Bapi Mandal and Shyamal Gain, among other residents, alleged that the guest house served as a front for illicit activities, corrupting the neighborhood's moral fabric. They further claimed that when locals had previously voiced their concerns, some were met with threats.
Atish Biswas, Additional Superintendent of Police in Barasat, stated, “We have not received any formal complaints regarding a brothel. Two individuals, including the guest house owner, have been arrested in connection with the altercation”.
