Cops ensure safe passage for dialysis patient on Kali Puja

KOLKATA: As Kali Puja revellers hopped from one pandal to another along NH-34 on Tuesday, schoolteacher Subrato Halder of Barasat’s Pioneer Park near Dakbungalow crossing was more concerned about getting his ailing wife Sabita (41) safely back home after a routine dialysis at R N Tagore Hospital. Accordingly, special police arrangements were made to ensure a smooth passage for Sabita to home.
Sabita, a schoolteacher, has been undergoing dialysis thrice a week for a year now.“This week, the dates fell on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. My heart sank when the hospital informed me of this week’s dates as Tuesday coincided with Kali Puja which is a gala festival at Barasat. I knew it will be impossible for any vehicle carrying Sabita to reach home after 4pm. Moreover, NH-34 remains closed from 4pm to 4am on Kali Puja night at Dakbungalow crossing. I tried changing the schedule but the hospital could not manage to accommodate my request,” said Subrato, adding, “There are 12 major pandals on either side of NH-34 from Barasat. On Monday, it took me 40 minutes to cover a 2km stretch from Colony crossing from Moina on an E-rickshaw.”
Subrato said, “I had no option but to approach police seeking a safe passage for my wife after dialysis.” The cops also sympathised with Subrato. “For the coming four days from today, there is no option but to walk to get to anywhere in Barasat along NH-34 from Dakbungalow crossing,” said an officer posted at the crossing of Jessore Road and NH-34.
Subrato Halder reached the hospital around1pm and the dialysis started around 4pm. The Halders set out for Barasat from the hospital around 8pm. “The road from R N Tagore Hospital along E M Bypass and VIP Road was smooth. The Jessore Road stretch from Airport Gate No.1 to Madhyamgram was less congested,” said Subrato. “We were handed car passes for three days by police to ease our movement to and from the hospital,” said Sabita.
Barasat additional SP Abhijeet Banerjee said, “We have provided her car passes. I’ve asked Subrato to call me when they start from hospital. Our police personnel will take all necessary steps.”