Overview

• Investigators recovered an iron rod and an open packet of red chilli powder from the Baranagar shop, indicating irritant use before the assault.
• Police say five masked men, some posing as customers, entered between 3:00 pm and 3:30 pm and completed the operation in about 15 minutes.
• The store’s cameras went dark during the attack, and the victim’s son, monitoring feeds from Delhi, alerted neighbours who found Sankar Jana bound and bleeding.
• Forensic findings note blunt-force trauma to the back of the head and signs of a struggle, with the 60-year-old’s legs tied when discovered.
• Teams are scanning at least 10 CCTV recordings and seeking public footage, exploring a possible escape via nearby rail or metro; no arrests have been announced and the value of stolen items is still being assessed, with police indicating it could run into several crores.