Fatal Beating at Kolkata Hostel Leads to 14 Arrests Over Theft Claim

A man was allegedly beaten to death at a state-run hostel for students in central Kolkata's Bowbazar area on Friday over suspicion of mobile phone theft, police said. The victim, identified as Irshad Alam, 37, was a resident of Belgachia and worked as a mechanic at an electronics shop in the Chandni Chowk area.

Irshad had previously visited the Udayan Hostel to repair a television. After some mobile phones went missing over the last few days, he was called back to the hostel this morning, a police officer said. He was accused of stealing a mobile phone, allegedly tied up and beaten, his family said.

"He had called us from the hostel and said that the students, after accusing him of theft, were demanding money," a relative said. After being informed about the incident, police reached the hostel and rescued him in a critical condition.

Police Investigation Underway

He was admitted to the Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, where he died in the afternoon while undergoing treatment, a doctor who treated him said. Police said they have arrested 14 people and filed a case under IPC sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 365 (kidnapping), and 302 (murder) at the Muchipara police station.

An investigation is underway, the officer said, adding that those arrested are students and ex-students of various colleges in the city. The police are currently examining all angles to understand the motive behind this brutal act.

The incident has shocked the local community and raised concerns about safety within educational institutions. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward to assist with the investigation.

This tragic event highlights the need for better security measures in hostels and stricter enforcement of laws to prevent such incidents in the future. The authorities are expected to review current policies to ensure student safety.

The family of Irshad Alam is demanding justice and has called for swift action against those responsible for his death. They hope that this case will bring attention to issues of violence and safety in hostels.