In a stark reminder of the volatility that can lurk in Kolkata’s bustling streets, a seasoned patty seller, Sk Riyajul, has returned to the city after a brutal assault at a mass Gita recital in the Maidan, yet he has chosen to steer clear of the very area where he was beaten. The incident, which unfolded on December 7, has sparked renewed debate over street‑vendor safety, religious‑cultural tensions, and the economic pressures that drive people to risk their lives for a living.
Background and Context
For more than two decades, Riyajul has sold “puffs” – a popular street snack – from a small wooden cart, earning a modest but steady income that supports his family of four. The Maidan, a sprawling open space in central Kolkata, has long been a hub for street vendors, especially during large public gatherings such as the annual Gita recital, where crowds swell to hundreds of thousands. However, the event’s religious significance and the influx of devotees have historically made the area a flashpoint for clashes between vendors and protestors who view non‑vegetarian food as sacrilegious.
On December 7, Riyajul was attacked by a group of men who shouted religious slogans and physically assaulted him, throwing his snacks into the crowd. The assault left him bruised, emotionally scarred, and forced him to abandon his cart for more than five weeks. He returned to his hometown of Arambag, where he was left with a shattered spirit and a dwindling savings account.
While the incident was condemned by Kolkata’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and law enforcement, the underlying issues remain unresolved. The city’s street‑vendor community continues to face threats of violence, harassment, and economic instability, especially during peak holiday seasons when demand for non‑vegetarian snacks surges.
Key Developments
Riyajul’s return to Kolkata on January 18 marks a pivotal moment. He has resumed his daily routine of carrying a 30‑kilogram load of chicken and vegetable patties, but he has deliberately avoided the Maidan. Instead, he now sets up his cart in the narrow lanes of Garden Reach – Kamal Talkies, Ramnagar, Kacchi Sadak, Bichali Ghat, and Akra Fatak – where foot traffic is lower and the risk of confrontation is reduced.
- Economic Pressure: Riyajul’s monthly expenses include a ₹6,000 EMI for a home renovation loan, daily food costs, and other household bills. Without a steady income, he fears financial collapse.
- Legal Action: The three assailants – Soumik Golder, Tarun Bhattacharya, and Swarnandu Chakraborty – were arrested and are currently out on bail. Police have filed an FIR, and the case is pending in the court.
- Community Response: Local vendors in Garden Reach have offered support, sharing space and resources. However, the threat of retaliation from the Maidan’s crowd remains a concern.
- Government Measures: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has announced a temporary vendor relocation scheme for the next two months, aiming to reduce congestion in high‑risk zones.
Riyajul’s father, 86‑year‑old Zainal Abedin, who once sold pastries in the 1980s, warned him against returning to the Maidan. “I told you not to hawk patties in that area,” he said. Riyajul, however, feels compelled to resume his trade to support his family, stating, “I have to pay an EMI of ₹6,000. Without work, how will I survive?”
Impact Analysis
The incident underscores a broader trend of street‑vendor vulnerability in urban India. According to a 2025 report by the National Institute of Urban Affairs, over 60% of street vendors in major cities face physical threats or harassment during religious festivals. The economic ripple effect is significant: vendors lose income, families face debt, and local economies suffer from reduced informal commerce.
For students and young professionals, the story serves as a cautionary tale about the precarious nature of informal employment. Many students rely on part‑time street‑vendor jobs to fund their education, and incidents like Riyajul’s highlight the need for safer, regulated work environments.
Moreover, the assault has amplified calls for stricter enforcement of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014. The Act mandates the creation of vendor-friendly zones, provides legal protection, and requires municipalities to allocate dedicated vending spaces. Yet, implementation gaps persist, especially in densely populated areas like the Maidan.
Expert Insights and Practical Guidance
Dr. Ananya Mukherjee, a sociologist at Jadavpur University, explains, “The Maidan is a symbolic space where religious fervor meets commercial activity. When vendors like Riyajul sell non‑vegetarian items, they inadvertently become targets for those who view such offerings as blasphemous.” She recommends that vendors diversify their product lines to include vegetarian options, thereby reducing the risk of confrontation.
Legal experts advise vendors to register their businesses formally. “Registration not only provides legal protection but also opens avenues for government subsidies and insurance schemes,” says lawyer Prakash Sen. He further suggests that vendors maintain a detailed ledger of sales and expenses, which can be useful in case of disputes or legal claims.
For those considering a return to street vending after an incident, the following steps can mitigate risk:
- Choose a Safer Location: Avoid high‑traffic religious or political zones during peak events.
- Build Community Alliances: Form or join vendor associations that can offer collective bargaining power and security.
- Leverage Technology: Use mobile payment apps to reduce cash handling and attract a broader customer base.
- Seek Legal Counsel: Understand your rights under the Street Vendors Act and local ordinances.
- Maintain Documentation: Keep receipts, photographs, and witness statements in case of future incidents.
Financial advisors also recommend setting aside an emergency fund. “A buffer of at least three months’ expenses can provide a safety net during periods of instability,” notes economist Rohan Gupta.
Looking Ahead
As Kolkata prepares for the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations, authorities are expected to intensify security measures around the Maidan. The municipal corporation has pledged to deploy additional police officers and set up temporary vendor stalls in safer zones.
Meanwhile, the legal proceedings against the assailants will likely set a precedent for how the city handles violence against street vendors. A favorable verdict could deter future attacks and reinforce the message that such acts will not be tolerated.
For Riyajul and many like him, the path forward hinges on balancing economic necessity with personal safety. The city’s response, coupled with community support and legal safeguards, will determine whether street vendors can thrive without fear.
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