Army probes murder of corporal who died due to rash driving

Kolkata

The failure of Kolkata police to nab Ambia Sohrab, Sambia Sohrab and their father former RJD legislator and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mohammad Sohrab, who are absconding after a speeding car owned by them killed an Air Force officer during a Republic Parade rehearsal has forced the India army to call for its own investigation.

“We have promised the family of diseased corporal Abhimanyu Gaud that his killers will be punished,” Indian army spokesperson wing commander S.S Biradi said.

Though many have drawn parallels to the various high-profile cases in India including that of actor Salman Khan who was accused of murdering four footpath dwellers due to rash driving walking free due to lack of evidence.

“The person who died was not a footpath dweller. He was with the Indian army and the entire army is seeking and will ensure justice for his death,” the wing commander said in reply to the questions posed by the reporters.

The Kolkata police are accused of negligence as insiders say they let go of Ambia in spite of tracking his mobile which was showing his location as Park Street. “Someone wasted valuable time when he could have been nabbed. Just by letting him go, they have complicated the case [thus] putting the entire department to shame,” said a senior police official, unwilling to be named. “They could have fled India by now and no way are we able to track their whereabouts,” said an investigating officer.

Investigations reveal Ambia and his brother Sambia are habitual offenders who had escaped the law of the land due to his father’s influence and is known to flaunt his fleet of luxury cars.

The sudden rise of Sohrab, from a humble background of a fruit merchant here to owner of various hotels, restaurants and other business including that of real estate has surprised many.

“In 2006 when he contested the election he had claimed in his nomination papers that the family did not own any car. How come they have garage-full of expensive luxury cars in just 10 years,” questioned state Congress president Adhir Chowdhury. The rise of the Sohrab is attributed to that of the TMC and their influence in the party.

Others believe they will be caught soon as the ruling party is realising the bad publicity it is getting ahead of the elections. “I foretell that they will be caught. For the TMC, votes are everything and they will force them to surrender so that it doesn’t affect their image ahead of the elections,” painter Samir Aich, told a local news channel.

Under pressure from the people and the army, city police had seized Ambia’s passport during a raid at one of Sohrab’s residences yesterday. The police have already raided five houses belonging to the family.

In a related development, Ambia’s friend Sonu who was believed to be with them during the incident has gone missing. A police complaint has been lodged by the family fearing for his life. “We are worried about him. They may pressurise him to say he was driving the car. Last time he called was two-days ago where he said that Sambia was the one responsible,” said Sonu’s sister.