A gold trader from central Kolkata’s Bowbazar area is gripped with fear after receiving a chilling anonymous letter demanding ₹50 lakh, purportedly for a Maoist fund. The message came with a dire warning— failure to pay could cost him his life.
Jayanta Chowdhury, a prominent gold trader with businesses on Chinabazar Street in Bowbazar and in Bangaon, North 24 Parganas, approached the Bowbazar police station immediately after receiving the letter. In addition, he has submitted a written complaint to the Joint Commissioner (Crime) of Kolkata Police.
According to Jayanta, the letter arrived a few days ago with no sender's name or identifying marks. It demanded that ₹50 lakh be handed over at Hadipur in Deganga, located in North 24 Parganas district. The note threatened grave consequences if the money wasn’t paid, intensifying Jayanta’s sense of insecurity.
“I’ve been living in fear ever since,” said Jayanta. Adding, “I also run a shop in Bangaon. I feel deeply unsafe. However, I’ve been assured of help and protection by the police.”
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Kolkata Police have launched an investigation into the source of the letter and the credibility of the threat. For now, they are treating the case with utmost seriousness, especially given the alleged Maoist link.
Authorities are also checking for any similar threats received by other traders in the area, as well as examining CCTV footage and forensic evidence from the letter.
Meanwhile, heightened security arrangements are being considered for Jayanta and his business outlets. The case has sent ripples of concern across the trading community in Bowbazar and beyond, with many now urging greater police vigilance.
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