HOWRAH: Howrah City Police on Thursday arrested three aides of Harun Khan, the prime accused in Wednesday morning’s Pilkhana shooting, which investigators say was triggered by a gang war over territory and extortion in north Howrah. The trio were picked up from a hideout in Jorasanko, Kolkata. However, Harun and his associate Rafaqat alias Rohit Hossain, who had also taken shelter there, escaped before the raid.CP Akash Megharia said the arrested trio — Mohd Bilal, Dildar Hossain and Mohd Wakil — were directly involved in the murder of Mohammad Shafiq and had helped Harun and Rohit flee. “We have filed cases for murder, destruction of evidence, harbouring criminals and under the Arms Act. Based on their interrogation, we are searching for Harun and Rohit,” he said.Sources said Harun and Rohit took shelter in Jorasanko immediately after the murder, partied with sex workers, procured new mobile phones and SIM cards, and fled in an SUV with the help of the three arrested men shortly before police arrived.Cops said the killing was the culmination of a long-running gang rivalry. Shafiq was allegedly linked to the Tipu Sultan gang of north Howrah, while Harun was associated with Akash Singh’s gang, accused of forcible land occupation, extortion and shootings. Rohit, originally from Bihar, allegedly supplied weapons. Tensions escalated after Shafiq allegedly began sourcing arms from another dealer.Police said Shafiq had allegedly tried to eliminate Harun on Tuesday night by attacking his flat, but Harun fled after being tipped off. The next day, Harun and Rohit allegedly lay in wait near Shafiq’s home at Bhoggu crossing in Pilkhana Second Lane. Rohit allegedly shot Shafiq in the head from behind at point-blank range; Harun then fired multiple rounds into his chest and face.All three accused had prior cases at Golabari PS, including charges of shooting, arms supply, extortion and attempted murder.

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After the killing, bikes were torched outside Harun’s flat, his furniture stores and his NGO office. Protesters blocked GT Road. Harun’s brother was assaulted during amarch and hospitalised. Police suspect Harun and Rohit may try to flee to Afghanistan.