Alert cab driver helps nab Jamshedpur shootout accused in Kolkata

Cab driver’s quick thinking leads to arrest of Jharkhand criminal in Kolkata

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur/Kolkata, Feb 20: A cab driver in Kolkata in a remarkable display of alertness foiled the escape of four criminals from Jharkhand’s Jamshedpur, leading to the arrest of one of them. The incident unfolded on Thursday when the driver, sensing something suspicious about his passengers, drove straight to the Beliaghata Traffic Guard under the Pragati Maidan Police Station and reported his concerns to the police.

According to police sources, the four men were involved in a shootout under the Bistupur Police jurisdiction in Jamshedpur before fleeing to Ghatshila and later boarding a train to Santragachi in West Bengal. After reaching Santragachi on Wednesday night, they booked an app cab to continue their escape.

However, their conversation inside the cab raised the driver’s suspicions. “They were discussing a shootout incident, and from their tone, it seemed like they were personally involved. I had no second thoughts—I drove straight to the police station,” the driver recounted, requesting anonymity.

Upon realizing that they had been exposed, three of the four suspects fled, leaving one behind. The police arrested him, identifying him as Mohammad Asif. During questioning, Asif admitted that the gang planned to seek shelter at a relative’s house in Kolkata. The police later contacted the relative, who confirmed Asif’s identity.

Further investigation into Asif’s phone revealed pictures of the shootout report, establishing his direct involvement. Kolkata Police immediately alerted their Jamshedpur counterparts, and by Thursday night, a team from Jamshedpur Police arrived in Kolkata to take Asif into transit remand.

Meanwhile, a search operation has been launched to track down the three fleeing criminals. “We appreciate the vigilance of the cab driver. His timely action helped prevent potential criminal activities in the city,” said a senior officer from Kolkata Police headquarters, Lalbazar.

Jamshedpur Police are now intensifying their investigation into the shootout, with efforts underway to capture the remaining suspects.