Biswabrata Goswami
KRISHNAGAR, 25 DEC: Within 24 hours following the murder of notorious criminal “Hatkata” Masood in Padmamala area of Chapra in Nadia, the police have apprehended a 28-year-old youth named as Istanul Halsena from his hideout in Chapra today.
The youth was produced before the chief judicial magistrate court in Krishnagar where the magistrate after hearing pleas remanded him in police custody for six days, police said.
When asked Mr. M Meetkumar Sanjaykumar, Additional SP (HQ) said, “It is too early to make any comment over the incident. We are thoroughly probing into this matter and after interrogation of the arrested youth, some clues may come out.”
The lifeless body of Masood alias Hatkata Masood, a notorious miscreant with a history of criminal activities, was discovered in Padmamala field under Chapra police station limits on Sunday morning. The police were alerted by local residents who noticed Masood lying with a bullet wound.
Masood, a figure with a dark and extensive criminal past, had recently been released from jail, only to meet a tragic end in a shooting incident on Saturday night.
Masood, often referred to as Hatkata Masood due to an incident a decade ago when a bomb blast cost him his left wrist, had maintained a formidable presence despite the physical setback. His criminal dossier included charges of robbery, murder, border smuggling, extortion, and even rape. Recent events saw him arrested in possession of firearms, allegedly planning an attack on a former leader of the Trinamul Congress – Jeber Sheikh in Chapra. He, however, got bail before the Durga puja.
In 2014, he was accused of murdering Bharu Sheikh and Mozam Sheikh, residents of Patradah area in Dhubulia. He buried their dead bodies in a bank in Bhatgachi area to destroy the evidence. He was also jailed in 2010 on charges of dealing in fake notes.
He was also jailed for drug trafficking in 2016 and 2020. A few years ago, after being released on bail, he started his criminal activities again. He was also accused of terrorizing the Kalyandah area in the ruling party’s hall during the panchayat polls. Following the end of the panchayat polls, he extorted money around Rs 30 lakh from opposition party supporters and he was also accused for raping women during his extortion drive.
Sources within the police department disclosed that Masood’s demise resulted from multiple gunshot wounds, possibly inflicted by a professional using an automatic weapon. A significant revelation in the ongoing investigation points toward the involvement of a hired gunman from Bangladesh.
A senior police officer said the motive behind Masood’s killing remains elusive, prompting speculation about whether it stems from internal disputes or external influences. Authorities are intensifying their efforts to unravel the mystery, leaving no avenue unexplored. As the investigation widens to consider potential cross-border involvement, the questions surrounding Masood’s demise only grow more intricate.
Tags: #Chapra #NotoriousCriminal #HatkataMasood