Mohammad Wasim, who has been arrested for developing the five-storeyed illegal building that crashed at Azhar Molla Bagan on Sunday night, had caught the attention of many after his name emerged as a suspect in an “attempt to murder” case a few years ago, police said.
Wasim, the promoter behind several buildings in the port area, has at least one criminal case against him for firing at a man in a public place, cops said.
“People started to recognise him after that. He was charged with attempted murder and under various sections of the arms act,” said an officer who had worked in the port area before.
The police said Wasim’s location was traced and he was picked up from the neighbourhood soon after the collapse.
He has been charged with murder and under several other sections.
Wasim, whom his friends call “Wasi”, is known for his fondness for gold jewellery and bikes.
“He had recently bought an expensive two-wheeler. More than cars, he loves bikes,” said an acquaintance.
Another associate said Wasi would usually work with partners.
A police officer said Wasim told investigators after his arrest that he was worried about his business partner Sheru.
“He said Sheru was chatting with friends on the ground floor of the under-construction building on Sunday night and was trapped after the collapse. He said Sheru had called one of their friends saying he was trapped. Even after his arrest, Wasim appeared concerned for his friend Sheru,” said an officer.
People in the locality said Wasim’s lifestyle changed in the past few years.
“Earlier, he would live a simple life. Gradually, he started wearing gold ornaments. His wife is often seen wearing a lot of jewellery,” said a resident of the locality.
An officer in the Calcutta police said Wasim was close to some of the leaders of the Left Front when the alliance was in power in the state. “After the change of guard, he shifted allegiance to the Trinamul Congress,” the officer said.