KOLKATA: The West Bengal Police discovered a tunnel leading to a canal connected to the Matla River beneath the house of an alleged fake gold idol dealer in South 24 Parganas district.
The accused, Saddam Sardar, reportedly used the tunnel to escape during a police raid on Monday. Sardar is accused of duping people by selling fake gold idols on social media and failing to deliver purchased items.
Acting on multiple complaints, the police conducted a raid on Sardar’s house in Keurakhali village, Kultali area. The police initially apprehended Sardar, but his family members, including women and his brother, helped him escape by engaging the police in a scuffle.
“Sardar’s brother allegedly fired several rounds in the air,” an officer stated. Despite Sardar’s escape, a manhunt is underway to capture him, and two women from his family have been arrested.
During the investigation, the police found the tunnel, which is believed to have been dug to facilitate Sardar’s escape. “The police unearthed the tunnel which is suspected to have been dug to facilitate the escape of the accused during any eventuality,” the officer said.
Three policemen were injured during the altercation with Sardar’s family members. A large police contingent has been deployed in the village and a search operation is ongoing in neighboring areas, including Canning and Basanti, to locate Sardar.
“A suo motu case has been registered in connection with the incident,” the officer added.
