The abuses and threats flew thick and fast — from killing me (“a foreigner”) to burning our house down.

After they left, I called the consul of France in Calcutta and was advised to go to the local police station. Later in the afternoon, we learnt that the club members were using terror tactics on several other residents of our building.

The night before, a young woman was harassed by them at 1am when her husband was away. Then, an aged and ailing woman on the floor above was accused of feigning her illness and threatened that she pay up or watch her son being beaten up. A couple with a baby were insulted and threatened.

But no one dared protest.

The building committee even urged us not to go to the police. But on Sunday morning, we went to Regent Park police station and lodged a complaint (GD No. 436).

We have donated money to many small pujas who are happy to receive whatever we can afford. We aren’t opposed to giving donations for a cause but we refuse to be browbeaten by a group of para toughs.

But yes, we do feel unsafe. My wife and I never step out of home alone. If something happens, it will happen to both of us, together.